Glutaraldehyde

Glutaraldehyde

Glutaraldehyde is a biocide and chemical disinfectant. It can cause occupational asthma.

It is used mainly in healthcare, offshore, papermaking, agriculture and as a tissue preservative.

Top tips

• Justify the use of glutaraldehyde - state why substitutes are unsuitable.
• If you cannot prevent exposure to vapour by containment, use a respirator.
• You need regular health surveillance

Reduce disease - reduce exposure to glutaraldehyde mist and vapour

Avoid glutaraldehyde substitutes that may cause asthma. If spraying, or dosing open systems with glutaraldehyde, you need to use a respirator until you are well away from the treated zone. If spraying, nobody should re-enter the treated zone without a respirator until the surfaces are dry and the zone has been aired.

You can find more guidance and information on the Asthma publications pages on the HSE website.

Summary - Case Study taken by HSE

An NHS hospital nurse worked in the operating theatre. She was diagnosed with occupational asthma, caused by glutaraldehyde disinfectant.

HSE investigation

HSE investigated, the nurse had no history of asthma when she started her job. But her symptoms were discovered later through health surveillance. This involved a questionnaire and lung function test.

Her symptoms included nasal irritation, wheeze and breathlessness. These effects disappeared quickly after she stopped working with glutaraldehyde.

Effects

The NHS Trust admitted guilt and was fined £3,000. The Trust no longer uses glutaraldehyde.

Since the change in work, the nurse has no lasting effects, and has continued with her hospital career.