title: Glutaraldehyde: a potential health risk to nurses.
abstract: This article discusses the potential toxicity of glutaraldehyde, a chemical commonly used in endoscopy units. The literature review cites adverse health effects experienced by workers exposed to glutaraldehyde. The sampling methodology for glutaraldehyde relative to the Occupational Safety and Health standard for glutaraldehyde is presented. Air monitoring should be performed to assess employee exposure to airborne glutaraldehyde in endoscopy departments. Recommendations for reducing exposure to glutaraldehyde in endoscopy units are included.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Newman
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Kachuba
mesh_terms: D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*; D020776:Endoscopes, Gastrointestinal; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / Q000451:nursing; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D005123:Eye / Q000187:drug effects; D005976:Glutaral / Q000633:toxicity*; D006801:Humans; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000187:drug effects; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000393:Air Pollutants; D005976:Glutaral