Cadaveric head preparation is very important prior to dissection. The desired properties are: Good long-term structural preservation with minimal distortion, no desiccation, no bacterial or fungal growth, and minimal environmental chemical hazards 1).
The embalming fluid mixture used to preserve the cadaver is an important factor in achieving both good dissection properties, and long term preservation. Formaldehyde has been the main component in embalming fluids since the late 19th century due to its excellent preservation properties, low cost, and ready availability 2)
On the other hand, formaldehyde solutions have a toxic smell, produce undesired tissue rigidity, and there are major risks of malignancy development from formaldehyde exposure 3).