Glutaraldehyde Health and Safety Guidelines

Glutaraldehyde Facts

Glutaraldehyde is an aliphatic dialdehyde that is commonly used as a high-level disinfectant (HLD) and cold sterilant for heat-sensitive equipment such as surgical instruments, bronchoscopes, endoscopes, ultrasound probes, and ear, nose, and throat instruments. Glutaraldehyde is also used as a tissue fixative in histology and pathology labs, as well as a hardening agent for x-ray development.

Glutaraldehyde is a colorless liquid, known for its pungent odor, which is detectable at approximately 0.04 parts per million volume (ppmv).

Synonyms and Trade Names

In hospitals, clinics, and research laboratories, workers often use dilute solutions of glutaraldehyde, which may range in concentration from 1% to 50%. There are a number of commercially available products that are commonly used in the healthcare industry. These include: Cidex®, Metricide®, Sporicidin®, Hospex®, Sonacide®, Omnicide®, and Wavicide®.

Exposure Routes & Health Effects

Acute - Exposure to glutaraldehyde vapors may irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory tract, resulting in coughing, wheezing, headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, and nose bleeds. Dermal contact may cause irritation, including redness and dry skin.

Chronic - Glutaraldehyde is classified as a sensitizer. This means that after prolonged and repeated exposure to the chemical, an individual may become sensitive and experience adverse reactions even when exposed to very small concentrations. Chronic exposure to glutaraldehyde vapors may produce asthma-like symptoms.

In fact, research has indicated that there is an association between glutaraldehyde exposure and occupational asthma. Prolonged exposure may also cause skin allergies, rashes, and chronic eczema.

Minimize Exposure

A combination of engineering controls, prudent work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE) can help limit worker exposure to glutaraldehyde.
  • Engineering Controls
    • Appropriate Containers - Soaking containers must be appropriate for the size of instruments to be disinfected. Containers that are too large for instruments allow extra surface area of the solution to be unnecessarily disturbed, which means a larger release of vapors. Lids must always be used and should completely cover a container's surface area.
    • Safety (Vapor Recovery) Nozzles - Safety nozzles are recommended to eliminate splashing effects that may result from pouring glutaraldehyde solutions. This may also help minimize worker exposure to glutaraldehyde vapors.
    • HVAC and Local Exhaust - Rooms where glutaraldehyde is used should be appropriately ventilated and large enough to ensure adequate dilution of vapors. These rooms should have a minimum of six air exchanges per hour. Where possible, handle glutaraldehyde solutions in a chemical fume hood that has an average face velocity of 100 feet per minute (fpm).
    • Automated Processing Equipment - Scope washers are valuable tools in high volume reprocessing operations because of their design to minimize direct contact with glutaraldehyde. However, it is still important to maintain proper room ventilation due to the potential escape of vapors during the task of solution activation and transfer into the reservoir.
  • Work Practices
    • Use appropriate quantities - Use only the amount of glutaraldehyde needed to submerse instruments. It is not necessary to fill the soaking container to capacity.
    • Minimize transfer distance - When it comes time to remove instruments from the soaking container, limit the distance of travel to where the rinse process will take place. Small quantities or drops of solution on working surfaces, including floors, can emit vapors during evaporation.
    • Keep lids in place - Immediately replace lids once instruments are placed into, or removed from the container.
    • Housekeeping - Daily cleaning of work surfaces where glutaraldehyde is handled will reduce the risk of skin contact as well as minimize vapors.
  • PPE
    • Gloves - 100% nitrile or butyl rubber gloves offer the best protection from glutaraldehyde. If latex gloves are to be used, be sure to change them at least every 15 minutes.
    • Eye Protection - Use appropriate safety goggles or safety glasses and a wrap around face shield to protect against splashing when working with glutaraldehyde.
    • Gown - When a splash hazard is present, wear an impervious gown that has long sleeves.
    • Emergency Eyewash Station - Glutaraldehyde solutions can be corrosive and present a splash hazard to the eyes. As a supplement to appropriate eye protection, OSHA requires an emergency eyewash be available for flushing eyes in case of contact. The eyewash must be unobstructed and available for immediate use, and in no instance should it take longer than 10 seconds to reach the nearest equipment. These eyewashes must be plumbed units. Bottles of saline are inadequate. Eyewashes must be of a "rapid action, hands free type" type.

Storage and Disposal

Unused glutaraldehyde solutions should be stored in appropriately labeled, sealed containers. Containers should be stored at room temperature in a secure and properly marked location.

According to the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), glutaraldehyde solutions may be discarded as ordinary domestic waste and not hazardous waste. It is acceptable to pour waste solutions into a drain connected to a sanitary sewer along with large amounts of cold water. The use of neutralizers/deactivators prior to dumping is encouraged. Empty containers should be disposed of according to product label instructions.