Identifying Occupational Exposures to Elevated Levels of Glutaraldehyde and Other Chemicals to Safeguard Workers

In July of 2017, the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR) released a Toxicological Profile for Glutaraldehyde. It describes glutaraldehyde as a colorless, oily liquid with a sharp, pungent odor that is used for industrial, laboratory, agricultural, medical and some household purposes, primarily for disinfecting and sterilization of surfaces and equipment.

The 302-page document includes a Public Health Statement that shares the following:

If you are exposed to glutaraldehyde, many factors determine whether you’ll be harmed. These include how much you are exposed to (dose), how long you are exposed (duration), how often you are exposed (frequency) and how you are exposed (route of exposure). You must also consider the other chemicals you are exposed to and your age, sex, diet, family traits, lifestyle, and state of health.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) state that workers in industries that use glutaraldehyde can be exposed through inhalation or skin contact. Health effects that may occur as a result of exposure include, but are not limited to, the following:
 

• Throat and lung irritation
• Asthma and difficulty breathing
• Contact and/or allergic dermatitis
• Nasal irritation
• Sneezing and wheezing
• Burning eyes and conjunctivitis

“Workers in industries that could come in contact with glutaraldehyde should be aware of these potential exposure concerns,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL, we offer industrial hygiene and environmental testing for glutaraldehyde and a wide range of chemicals to identify exposure risks. If test results indicate elevated concentrations are present, corrective actions can then be implemented to prevent or mitigate exposure. EMSL also provides all of the sampling supplies necessary and even offers a wide range of personal protective equipment.”

To share information on this topic, EMSL recently sponsored an educational video about glutaraldehyde and potential exposure concerns that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/_2-g9cR2i-4.

To learn more about this or other occupational, industrial hygiene, environmental, air quality, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 46 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail