Symptoms and lung function in health care personnel exposed to glutaraldehyde

Waters, Andrew J.; Beach, Jeremy; Abramson, Michael J.

doi:10.1002/ajim.10172

Cited by 28 publications

(27 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…In this study, exposure levels sometimes exceeded 0.05 ppm, the threshold limit values recommended by the ACGIH 17) . This study further showed levels of exposure comparable to earlier reports from British and Australian investigators 12,13) . Leinster et al 9) reported concentration levels as high as 0.04 ppm during changeover of glutaraldehyde solutions.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 90%

“…Glutaraldehyde exposure is also associated with various nasal, respiratory, and ocular symptoms Industrial Health 2007, 45, [289][290][291][292][293][294][295] and headache [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] . Exposure to glutaraldehyde has been shown to reduce FVC and FEV 1 among current and ex-employees 12,13) . Allergic contact dermatitis and asthma have been reported among health care professionals from occasional or incidental occupational exposure to glutaraldehyde 11,[14][15][16] .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It has been suggested that work practices may play a significant role in the overall exposure of health care workers to glutaraldehyde vapors 9,13) . A wide range of inappropriate work practices among these personnel may result in an increased risk of exposure to glutaraldehyde vapors.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Effect of Work Practices on Personal Exposure to Glutaraldehyde among Health Care Workers

Nayebzadeh¹

2007

Ind Health

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Glutaraldehyde is a potential sensitizer and has been implicated in the literature as a cause of respiratory irritation and asthma among health care workers. In order to evaluate the effect of work practices and general ventilation system on employees' peak exposure to glutaraldehyde, 42 breathing zone personal air samples were taken in five hospitals. In addition, work practices were observed and recorded during the course of sampling and were classified into three categories. Presence of local or general ventilation system, air change per hour, and quantity of glutaraldehyde used were also recorded. Geometric mean concentration of all samples was 0.025 ppm (GSD=3.05). Statistical analysis indicated that work practice was the most important factor affecting the level of exposure to glutaraldehyde. In locations where "poor" or "unsafe" work practices were employed, the geometric mean concentrations were much higher (GM=0.05, GSD=2.11 and GM 0.08, GSD=1.52, respectively). The result has indicated higher prevalence of headache and itchy eyes among employees who worked where unsafe work practices were observed. Employing proper work practices can significantly reduce exposure to glutaraldehyde among health care workers. It has been recently proposed that the current occupational exposure limit of 0.2 ppm shall be reduced to either 0.1 or 0.05 ppm in the province of Québec (Canada). In this case, it is likely that concentration levels higher than these levels be experienced in some workplaces. Therefore, it is imperative that employers initiate necessary corrective action immediately.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 90%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Effect of Work Practices on Personal Exposure to Glutaraldehyde among Health Care Workers

Nayebzadeh¹

2007

Ind Health

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“…Whether repeated GA exposures actually cause occupational asthma, however, is currently under debate. Although numerous reports of work-related asthma have appeared in the medical literature (42)(43)(44)(45)(46)(47)(48)(49), not all studies have shown a positive correlation with GA exposure (9). Furthermore, although laboratory tests do exist for GA-related IgE, some studies have shown that only a small percentage of subjects with symptoms actually have these specific antibodies (50, 51).…”

Section: Occupational Disorders From Glutaraldehydementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Increasing temperature and solution concentration subsequently increases the vapor pressure of GA mixtures and thus, its environmental concentration. As such, good occupational hygiene principles need to be adopted and (49,57) • Laboratory technicians (33,38) • Contact dermatitis (39)(40)(41) • X-ray technicians (31,32,43,46) • Headache (28,30,43) • Cleaners, veterinarians (39,40,43) Chronic…”

Section: Reducing Occupational Exposurementioning

confidence: 99%

Glutaraldehyde exposure and its occupational impact in the health care environment

Smith

Wang

2006

Environ Health Prev Med

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Despite the search for effective and less toxic substitutes, glutaraldehyde (GA) remains one of the few substances capable of high-level instrument disinfection in modern health care. Workers commonly affected include operating room nurses, radiographers, x-ray technicians and cleaners. Widespread hospital usage combined with its well-known irritant properties, has ensured an increase in occupationally-related illnesses during recent years. Operating room nurses, laboratory workers and x-ray technicians frequently contact GA in both the liquid and vapor form. Workplace exposure is usually dependent on job tasks, ventilation levels and the use of protective equipment. GA is a relatively potent irritant and sensitizer, with a well-documented history of symptoms following occupational exposure. Although mechanisms for GA toxicity have been postulated, research on the toxicological, teratogenic and carcinogenic potential of this chemical has shown inconsistent results. Reducing workplace exposure to its lowest possible level represents the most important hazard reduction strategy. This may be achieved by keeping GA containers tightly sealed when not in use, maintaining adequate ventilation levels and the rigid adherence to appropriate personal protective equipment. Substitution with automated cold sterilization machines may be another appropriate measure, while banning unnecessary practices such as GA fogging and its use as a surface disinfectant may also be helpful in reducing occupational exposure in the health care environment.

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Glutardialdehyd [MAK Value Documentation in German language, 2006]

2012

The MAK‐Collection for Occupational Health and Safety

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Veröffentlicht in der Reihe Gesundheitsschädliche Arbeitsstoffe , 41. Lieferung, Ausgabe 2006 Der Artikel enthält folgende Kapitel: Toxikokinetik und Metabolismus Erfahrungen beim Menschen Kurzzeitige Exposition Wiederholte Exposition Tierexperimentelle Befunde und In‐vitro‐Untersuchungen Analogie zu Formaldehyd Tumoren Zellproliferation DNA‐Protein‐Crosslinks (DPX) Genotoxizität Bewertung

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Symptoms and lung function in health care personnel exposed to glutaraldehyde

Abstract: Further exposure controls for both glutaraldehyde and gloves are required to improve skin care in glutaraldehyde exposed nurses. Exposure monitoring methods also need review.

Cited by 28 publications

References 23 publications

The Effect of Work Practices on Personal Exposure to Glutaraldehyde among Health Care Workers

The Effect of Work Practices on Personal Exposure to Glutaraldehyde among Health Care Workers

Glutaraldehyde exposure and its occupational impact in the health care environment

Glutardialdehyd [MAK Value Documentation in German language, 2006]

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