Date of Issue: November 16, 1999

Hazard Summary

Glutaraldehyde is used in the health care field as a chemical disinfectant, and, in x-ray film processing. Of special interest are the areas where it is used as:

• an ingredient in X-ray developers,
• a tissue fixative in the biochemistry of cells and electron microscopy, and
• an embalming agent.

Alkaline glutaraldehyde is widely used in cold sterilization of medical, surgical and dental equipment in such brand name products as: Cidex, Aldesen, Hospex, Wavicide, Procide, Omnicide, and Solacide.

Health Concerns

Glutaraldehyde is a moderate to strong irritant to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Vapour levels below 0.2 ppm have been reported to cause eye, nose and throat irritation, nausea and headaches, voice loss, and fatigue. Chest discomfort, tightness, and breathing difficulty may also occur. Solutions may cause mild to severe irritation when they contact skin. Glutaraldehyde may cause an allergic skin reaction, lip sores, mouth ulcers, and rashes, in sensitized individuals.

Vapour inhalation has been implicated as a possible cause of occupational asthma. Glutaraldehyde can also aggravate pre-existing asthma and inflammatory or fibrotic pulmonary disease. It is a known sensitizer and can cause individuals to react to other chemicals.

Occupational Health Regulations list a Threshold Limit Value for a Ceiling Limit of 0.05 ppm. This represents an airborne concentration that should not be exceeded during any part of the work shift.

Note: Overexposure may occur with skin contact, even when air levels are less than required in regulations. The British Health and Safety Executive (HSE), an independent body of experts in occupational health “could not identify a safe level of exposure where it could be certain that there would be no risk of serious health effects”.

Preventive Measures

Work procedures should emphasize preventing contact with glutaraldehyde solution or airborne vapours by using a combination of adequate work procedures, proper equipment, exhaust installation, and operation and maintenance.

Glutaraldehyde should be used in separate designated areas where ventilation and traffic can be controlled.

Local exhaust ventilation should be installed to bring glutaraldahyde vapour down to the TLV ceiling limit as a maximum acceptable level. Rooms in which glutaraldehyde is used should be large and well ventilated, to a minimum of 10 to 15 air changes per hour, to ensure dilution of vapour,

Unused glutaraldehyde solution should be stored in tightly closed and properly labeled containers in a cool, secure, and properly marked location.

Protective Equipment

Hands should be protected from contact by using gloves made from butyl rubber. Polyvinylchloride and neoprene gloves are not recommended.

Workers should use isolation gowns, lab coats, or aprons and sleeve covers, which are made of appropriate protective materials to provide additional protection. If protective clothing becomes saturated it should be removed immediately and laundered. Skin contaminated by glutaraldehyde should be washed thoroughly with soap and water, and flushed with water for at least 15 minutes.

Appropriate respirators should be used by all employees who may be exposed to glutaraldehyde above the TLV.

Eyes must be protected against contact; full face shields and/or splash-proof goggles should be used whenever working with glutaraldehyde.

Note: Routine use of respirators is not an acceptable substitute for appropriate engineering, administrative, and work practice controls.

Employers should give priority to preventing exposure to glutaraldehyde by any route (i.e. inhalation, ingestion, absorption through skin or contact with skin).

The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires that proper training be given to all employees who work with or are in proximity to a hazardous chemical.

1 British HSE Hazard Alert for Glutaraldehyde: SEPTEMBER 1997, HSE Health & Safety Executive

Links to other information on Glutaraldehyde:

Glutaraldehyde Fact Sheet (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees)