title: SGNA endoscopic disinfectant survey.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of health problems, use of protective attire, and health surveillance practices in a large group of healthcare workers exposed to glutaraldehyde. The results revealed that 37.8% of respondents reported at least one symptom/illness before exposure to glutaraldehyde. Nearly 60% of respondents reported symptoms/illnesses after glutaraldehyde exposure. Healthcare workers employed > or = 5 years tended to report fewer health problems preexposure and slightly more problems postexposure compared with all respondents. Surprisingly, smokers reported a nearly equal number of symptoms/illnesses both pre- and postexposure when compared with the total group. Approximately 95% of respondents always wore gloves, usually latex; 52% always wore moisture-proof outer wear; 28% always wore masks; and 55% always wore eye protection when exposed to glutaraldehyde. Those who used protective attire reported as many symptoms/illnesses as those who did not. Healthcare workers need to demand that the ambient glutaraldehyde level in the endoscopy cleaning area be checked periodically and records of these checks kept. Manufacturers need to produce more effective protective attire. Employers need to purchase protective attire for employees, and employees need to wear it until alternative endoscopic disinfectant/sterilization methods can be found.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Ellett
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Mikels
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Fullhart
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003625:Data Collection; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D005976:Glutaral; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009740:Nursing Staff; D016272:Occupational Health
chemical_list: D005976:Glutaral