The future of fluid preservation - fixation in the balance: the case for using formalin

Despite much research into safer alternatives, ten percent aqueous formalin is still the most effective fixing agent for biological specimens. Many countries are trying to ban its use, based largely on its carcinogenic property. This article lists possible substitutes and alternatives that are safer to use, reviews other traditional fixing and preserving agents that have been mixed with other compounds and briefly discusses the problems in posting loans of fluid-preserved material.