An assessment of exposure to glutaraldehyde in hospitals: typical exposure levels and recommended control measures.
- 1 February 1993
- journal article
- research article
- Published by BMJ in Occupational and Environmental Medicine
- Vol. 50 (2) , 107-111
- https://doi.org/10.1136/oem.50.2.107
Abstract
An assessment of exposure to glutaraldehyde in cold sterilisation and x ray development processes was undertaken in 14 locations at six hospitals in south east England. The results obtained indicate that routine exposures of hospital workers to airborne concentrations of the compound are within the current United Kingdom occupational exposure limit of 0.7 mg m-3. There was the potential for skin contact in many of the activities observed and alternative sterilisation and disinfection procedures would have been more appropriate in some situations. Recommendations are made on reducing exposures as the current occupational exposure limit for this compound may not be appropriate.Keywords
This publication has 8 references indexed in Scilit:
- Exposure to formaldehyde and glutardialdehyde in operating theatresInternationales Archiv für Arbeitsmedizin, 1990
- Epistaxis Due to Glutaraldehyde ExposureJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 1989
- Occupational risks of glutaraldehyde.BMJ, 1989
- Occupational Hazard in Hospital Staff Exposed to 2 per cent Glutaraldehyde in an Endoscopy UnitOccupational Medicine, 1989
- Skin and respiratory symptoms from exposure to alkaline glutaraldehyde in medical services.Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, 1988
- Cleaning and disinfection of equipment for gastrointestinal flexible endoscopy: interim recommendations of a Working Party of the British Society of Gastroenterology.Gut, 1988
- Asthma and Rhinitis after Exposure to Glutaraldehyde in Endoscopy UnitsHuman Toxicology, 1986
- Characterization of the Odor Properties of 101 Petrochemicals Using Sensory MethodsJournal of the Air Pollution Control Association, 1974