Glutaraldehyde
Occupational Hazards in Hospitals
The following excerpts are from a brochure published by the Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
Glutaraldehyde is used as a cold sterilant to disinfect and clean heat-sensitive equipment, such as dialysis instruments; surgical instruments; suction bottles; bronchoscopes; endoscopes; and ear, nose, and throat instruments. This chemical also is used as a tissue fixative in histology and pathology labs and as a hardening agent in the development of X-rays. Glutaraldehyde is a colorless, oily liquid with a pungent odor. Hospital workers use it most often in a diluted form mixed with water. The strength of glutaraldehyde and water solutions typically ranges from 1% to 50%, but other formulations are available. Trade names include Cidex, Sonacide, Sporicidin, Hospex, Omnicide, Metricide, and Wavicide.
What health effects can exposure to glutaraldehyde cause?
The following health effects have been reported in hospital workers exposed to glutaraldehyde:
- Throat and lung irritation
- Asthma, asthma-like symptoms, and breathing difficulty
- Nose irritation, sneezing, and wheezing
- Nosebleed
- Burning eyes and conjunctivitis
- Rash — contact and/or allergic dermatitis
- Staining of the hands (brownish or tan)
- Hives
- Headaches
- Nausea
If you experience any of these symptoms when working with glutaraldehyde, report them to your supervisor or safety officer.
Who might be exposed to glutaraldehyde in hospitals?
Workers in hospitals who might be exposed to glutaraldehyde include the following:
- Hospital staff who work in areas with a cold sterilizing procedure that uses glutaraldehyde (for example, gastroenterology and cardiology departments)
- Hospital staff who work in operating rooms, dialysis departments, endoscopy units, and intensive care units where glutaraldehyde formulations are used in infection control procedures
- Central service (supply) workers who use glutaraldehyde as a sterilant
- Research technicians, researchers, and pharmacy personnel who either prepare the alkaline solutions or fix tissues in histology and pathology labs
- Laboratory technicians who sterilize benchtops with glutaraldehyde solutions
- Workers who develop X-rays
When are workers most likely to be exposed to glutaraldehyde in hospitals?
Workers can be exposed to glutaraldehyde by breathing it or by skin contact during the following procedures:
- Cold sterilization of instruments in endoscopy and surgical units when glutaraldehyde solution is poured into or out of the sterilizing pans, and when sterilized equipment is removed from the sterilizing pans
- Disinfection of histology/pathology laboratory table tops
- Mixing and activation of various glutaraldehyde solutions
- Tissue fixation in histology labs
- Development of X-rays
How can I protect myself from exposure to glutaraldehyde?
You can protect yourself by using the following control methods and work practices:
- Use local exhaust ventilation (capture velocity of at least 100 feet per minute) and at least 10 room air exchanges per hour.
- Keep glutaraldehyde baths under a fume hood where possible.
- Use only enough glutaraldehyde to perform the required disinfecting procedure.
- Avoid skin contact: Use gloves and aprons made of nitrile or butyl rubber (latex gloves do not provide adequate protection).
- Wash gloved hands after handling glutaraldehyde.
- Wear goggles and face shields when handling glutaraldehyde.
- Seal or cover all containers holding glutaraldehyde solutions.
- Attend training classes in safety awareness about use of and exposure to glutaraldehyde.
Safety Tips
- Become familiar with and be able to recognize sources of glutaraldehyde exposure.
- In case of skin or eye contact, wash with water immediately. Clean up spills immediately.
- Refer to ANSI/AAMI [1996] for further information about emergency procedures in the event of a large spill.
Case Report
Several nurses were working in an area where glutaraldehyde was stored in 1-liter baths on countertops and was used to disinfect bronchoscopes. They complained of hives, chest tightness, and watery eyes. Evaluation of the work area indicated that there was a separate (independent) recirculating ventilation system designed to provide 10% outside air. The nurses used no personal protective equipment (such as gloves). Measures were then taken to reduce exposures. These included changing glutaraldehyde containers to airtight models, using appropriate gloves, and installing local ventilation hoods for glutaraldehyde stations. One month after the implementation of these measures, the nurses’ symptoms subsided. (Charney W. "Hidden Toxicities of Glutaraldehyde." In: Charney W, Schirmer J, eds. Essentials of Modern Hospital Safety. Chelsea, MI: Lewis Publishers Inc.; 1991, pp. 71-81.)
For more information
To receive the complete Glutaraldehyde brochure, or documents and information about occupational safety and health topics, contact the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health: NIOSH Publications Dissemination, 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-1998. Telephone: (800) 35-NIOSH (356-4674). Fax number: (513) 533-8573. E-mail: [email protected]. Web site: www.cdc.gov/niosh.
Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Washington, DC. Publication No. 2001-115, May 2001.
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