SK Parker wrote:
>
> I am working on a large (9000+ burial project which involves skeletal and
> partially decomposed remains from 1950's-80's.  Currently I am utilizing
> masks and gloves.  Today the manager for the project requested that I
> substanciate through documentation my reasons for the precautions. They feel
> that the risk is so negligible that such precautions are not warrented. Some
> of these burials have cause of death listed as TB and a few were listed as
> diptheria.  Histo and blasto are high in this region (in the soil) according
> to the state epidemiologist......but he couldnt offer advice other than "I
> wouldn't exhume burials without those basic precautions"......he also said
> that what would worry him is anthrax.....but still that doesnt help my
> situation. So if anyone out there can help,  I would be greatly appreciative.
>   I have information on Spitalfields (ie lead and smallpox) and I have the
> CRM (feds)issue on arsenic contamination.   I do not have anything on
> chemicals used for this time period.
> SK Parker
Dr. Parker,
I would think that the basic precautions you were advised to use in this
matter should be strictly adhered to while working with the later
burials. Inbalming solutions can contain formaldyhyde and other nasty
phenols which are carcinogens. They usually will destroy any virus
present in the deceased after a little while. In our medical school they
usually wait three years of so before the allow students to work with
the bodies and the anatomy faculty still make them use universal
precautions ( gloves, masks and protective gowns).
I hope that helps.
W.E. Allen, M.P.H.,M.Ed.