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Preventing Occupational Exposures to Glutaraldehyde and Other Potential Chemical Concerns in Puerto Rico

Zimmetry Environmental provides testing and consulting services to identify and mitigate chemical exposure risks to protect workers, the public and industry.


Bayamon, Puerto Rico – WEBWIRE

Common methods to mitigate potential exposure in the workplace include engineering controls, proper storage, substituting other chemicals, personal protective equipment (PPE) and employee training.

Glutaraldehyde is a chemical used in a number of industries throughout Puerto Rico and the rest of the modern world. It is used for industrial, laboratory, agricultural, medical and some household purposes, primarily for disinfecting and sterilization of surfaces and equipment.
 
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) describes glutaraldehyde as a colorless, oily, liquid-chemical with a pungent odor. It is typically used in a dilution and is sold under numerous brand names. Examples of its use include in oil and gas recovery operations and pipelines, wastewater treatment, x-ray processing, embalming fluid, leather tanning, paper production, in fogging and cleaning of poultry houses, and as a chemical intermediate in the production of various materials. In the healthcare industry, glutaraldehyde is most often used to disinfect equipment that cannot be heat sterilized. These items may include dialysis instruments, surgical instruments, suction bottles, bronchoscopes, endoscopes, and ear, nose and throat instruments.
 
Workers in industries that utilize 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 according to NIOSH:
 

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


 
“To protect workers from exposure risks there are ways to test for glutaraldehyde in occupational settings and there is a NIOSH recommended exposure limit (REL),” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “Common methods to mitigate potential exposure in the workplace include engineering controls, proper storage, substituting other chemicals, personal protective equipment (PPE) and employee training. At Zimmetry, we offer environmental and industrial hygiene testing services to identify and mitigate exposure risks to glutaraldehyde and a wide range of other potential chemical hazards.”
 
Zimmetry recently sponsored an educational video about glutaraldehyde and exposure concerns that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/_2-g9cR2i-4  
 
To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their occupational, industrial hygiene, environmental, air quality, compliance and consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com .
 
About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals and Fortune 500 companies. The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America. The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs and general environmental consulting services. 


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 Puerto Rico
 Industrial Hygiene
 Glutaraldehyde
 EHS
 Air Testing


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