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Glutaraldehyde -- An Overview

Introduction

Glutaraldehyde has a wide variety of uses and is found in many industries and occupations. It is used primarily as a biocide, but also as a fixative and as a therapeutic agent. The main uses of glutaraldehyde are:

• As a cold disinfectant in the health care industry;
• As a hardener in x-ray film processing;
• As a biocide in water treatment, in sanitary solutions for aircraft and portable toilets, and in aquaculture;
• As a disinfectant in animal housing;
• In tanning as a fixative;
• As a preservative in industrial oils;
• As a therapeutic agent; and
• In small quantities as a disinfectant for air ducts, as an embalming agent, as a tissue fixative in electron and light microscopy.

Glutaraldehyde (C₅H₈O₂) is used mainly as an aqueous solution, ranging in concentration from fifty (50) percent to less than one (1) percent. It is a colorless, oily liquid and may have an odor of rotten apples. In a vapor state, glutaraldehyde has a pungent odor, with an odor threshold level of 0.04 parts per million.

Exposure Limits

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommended exposure limit (REL) for glutaraldehyde is a ceiling limit of two-tenths (0.2) of a part per million. This limit should not be exceeded at any time. An immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) concentration has not been determined for glutaraldehyde.

Effects of Overexposure

The use of glutaraldehyde in a variety of industries has led to widespread occupational exposures. Glutaraldehyde is an irritant to the skin, eyes and respiratory system. Symptoms of exposure may include burning sensations, dermatitis, headache, coughing, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting. Target organs are the eyes, skin and respiratory system. Continuous repeated exposure to glutaraldehyde may intensify the skin and respiratory irritant effects. Persons with a history of skin or eye disorders may be at an increased risk from exposure.

First Aid

Eyes: If glutaraldehyde contacts the eyes, immediately flush the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Seek medical attention immediately. Contact lenses should not be worn when working with glutaraldehyde.

Skin: If glutaraldehyde contacts the skin, immediately flush the contaminated skin with water for a minimum of fifteen (15) minutes. If glutaraldehyde penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water for a minimum of fifteen (15) minutes. Seek medical attention promptly.

Inhalation: If large amounts of glutaraldehyde are inhaled, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped immediately begin CPR. Keep the person warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible.

Ingestion: Get medical attention immediately.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment must be used in conjunction with engineering and administrative controls to prevent glutaraldehyde exposure.

Safety goggles should be considered where concentrated glutaraldehyde is being used or in situations where splashing may occur, it is best to use an indirect vent or non-vented goggle, avoid goggles with foam padding. Safety glasses with side shields may suffice for the handling of small quantities of dilute glutaraldehyde.

Protective clothing should be worn when handling glutaraldehyde. Polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, Viton™ , butyl rubber, natural rubber-latex, neoprene, and nitrile rubber provide adequate protection from contact with glutaraldehyde solutions and should be considered as impervious materials for gloves and aprons.

Although NIOSH has not established an IDLH concentration for glutaraldehyde and therefore has not issued respirator selection recommendations, several respirator manufacturers have issued guidelines. North recommends that either an airline respirator operated in the pressure demand mode with a five-minute escape bottle or a self-contained breathing apparatus (pressure demand mode) may be used. 3M suggests that a full-face air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridges and a dust mist prefilter may be used for concentrations up to two (2) parts per million.

For help selecting the right protective clothing to use with glutaraldehyde, contact our Safety TECHline Technical Support at 1-800-356-2501.

Air Monitoring

Workers' exposure to glutaraldehyde may be determined by using personal monitors, passive gas monitors or vapor meters.

Personal monitors operate on the diffusion principle and require analysis by an outside laboratory to verify exposure levels.

Passive gas monitors operate on the diffusion principle and are direct-read monitors. They provide immediate on-site results with easy to read color changes.

Vapor meters are used in areas where glutaraldehyde is used quickly measure the airborne concentration. A given quantity of air is sampled and the concentration is directly displayed.

For products to help you monitor for glutaraldehyde, see the Air Monitors section of your Lab Safety Supply General Catalog. If you don't have a catalog, you can request one by filling out our easy on-line form.

Commonly Asked Questions

Sources for More Information

American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, "Guide To Occupational Exposure Values -- 1996"

Krister Forsberg and S.Z. Mansdorf, "Quick Selection Guide to Chemical Protective Clothing," Fourth Edition.

National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, "NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards," Sept., 2005.

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