Evaluation of total VOC exposure and ventilation controls in funeral home preparation rooms: A case study from Grenada.

Funeral home (FH) preparation rooms pose potential occupational health hazards due to exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted during embalming and autopsy procedures. This analytical observational study assessed indoor air quality (IAQ) hygiene conditions in all three funeral homes operating in Grenada using total volatile organic compound (TVOC) concentrations as an exposure indicator. Air sampling was conducted during 18 embalming and autopsy sessions between February and June 2025 using a GrayWolf AdvancedSense Pro monitor with a photoionization detector. Concurrent measurements of hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, temperature, and relative humidity were recorded. A brief survey was administered to embalmers and support staff to assess work-related health symptoms. Mean TVOC concentrations exceeded the German recommended IAQ hygiene guideline of 0.3 mg/m³ in two of the three funeral homes. Funeral home #1 (FH1) recorded the highest geometric mean TVOC concentration (7.7 mg/m³), whereas Funeral home #3 (FH3) maintained the lowest (0.20 mg/m³). Elevated concentrations were associated with inadequate ventilation and smaller room volume. FH3's continuous fresh air ventilation system-maintained levels below the German IAQ guideline. Self-reported health data from embalmers and reception staff indicated musculoskeletal and respiratory complaints across facilities, though limited sample sizes precluded meaningful comparison between funeral homes or job categories. These results illustrate the practical utility of TVOC measurements in assessing IAQ and provide funeral home directors with valuable guidance on designing and maintaining ventilation systems to safeguard the occupational health of funeral service providers.