Hi
I provide HSE support to a company that provides cleaning services (amongst others) within the Healthcare sector. One NHS trust has a blanket ban on using glutaraldehyde (a strong disinfectant) because of known health risks. I think this is fair enough when that chemical is used in high concentrations, however it is a constituent in many well known household cleaning chemicals in low concentrations.

I checked with the manufacturer's chemists as to whether this presents a risk and they have stated:

"Based on the low concentration of Glutaraldehyde in the concentrated product, the final concentration of the in-use product is extremely low (<0.0002%).

The exposure assessment calculates that dermal exposure to this concentration yields an exposure of approximately 0.004 ug/cm2. Based on available toxicology data the no effect level of sensitization is approx 20 ug/cm2. Thus, exposure to this very dilute concentration is 5,000 -fold below the no effect level. Therefore, no sensitization or elicitation would be expected at this very low exposure.

Glutaraldehyde does NOT need to be listed on the MSDS. ‘For a preparation not classified as dangerous, substances presenting a health or environmental hazard ≥ 1% need to go on the MSDS: see directive 91/155/EEC. Glutaraldehyde is present in the formulation at < 0.02%)."

Accordingly I reassured the Health and Safety Advisor for the Trust, however he has replied:

"I feel that returning it via a product, even at low concentration would not be in accord with that ban and may set a precedent in other, similar situations."

Is this sensible risk management? Are there other similar bans in place with the NHS or elsewhere?

Also, the assessment referred to within your post refers to dermal exposure and makes no reference to senitisation of the respiratory system.

Without adequate information, it is not possible to comment re: sensible risk management.

Notwithstanding that, He/she that pays the piper calls the shots, we may not like it but the Trust is free to adopt a more stringent criterion as and when they wish.

I expect that if you discuss this with your clients they will ask you to stop using these chemicals - and I am NOT suggesting that you don't discuss it!

Even where glutaraldehyde disinfectants have been banned from use staff may have already been exposed and sensitised, or sensitised at some prior workplace.

There is recent published evidence that the small glutaraldehyde concentrations in OTC and cleaning products can induce sensitisation and/or worsen the symptoms of those already sensitised by workplace exposure to much higher concentratioins that have been used as a steriliant.

I think you should discuss this, with a view to finding glutaraldehyde-free alternatives

Ian