Transcript of Glutaraldehyde
- 1. Glutaraldehyde Jason Mason
- 2. Health Risks Potential Acute Health Effects: Hazardous in
case of skin contact (irritant), of eye contact (irritant), of
ingestion, of inhalation (lung irritant, lung sensitizer). Slightly
hazardous in case of skin contact (sensitizer, permeator). Liquid
or spray mist may produce tissue damage particularly on mucous
membranes of eyes, mouth and respiratory tract. Skin contact may
produce burns. Inhalation of the spray mist may produce severe
irritation of respiratory tract, characterized by coughing,
choking, or shortness of breath. Severe over-exposure can result in
death. Potential Chronic Health Effects: CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS:
Classified A4 (Not classifiable for human or animal.) by ACGIH
[Glutaraldehyde]. MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: Mutagenic for mammalian
somatic cells. [Glutaraldehyde]. Mutagenic for bacteria and/or
yeast. [Glutaraldehyde]. TERATOGENIC EFFECTS: Not available.
DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY: Classified Reproductive
system/toxin/female, Reproductive system/toxin/male [SUSPECTED]
[Glutaraldehyde]. The substance may be toxic to blood, the
reproductive system, liver, mucous membranes, spleen, central
nervous system (CNS), Urinary System. Repeated or prolonged
exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage.
Repeated or prolonged contact with spray mist may produce chronic
eye irritation and severe skin irritation. Repeated or prolonged
exposure to spray mist may produce respiratory tract irritation
leading to frequent attacks of bronchial infection. Repeated
exposure to a highly toxic material may produce general
deterioration of health by an accumulation in one or many human
organs.
- 3. Background In the late 1950's a successful method of
industrialization was patented that utilized a Diels-Alder type
reaction of acrolein and vinylethyl ether forming 2-ethoxy-3,
4-dihydro-2H-pyran which readily hydrolyzes to glutaraldehyde with
a by product of ethano. Interest peaked in the 1960's after several
investigations discovered glutaraldehyde's outstanding disinfection
and sterilization capabilities; capabilities that exceeded even
formaldehyde (industry standard at the time). During this boom in
interest, glutaraldehyde performed duties as active ingredient in
products such as: high-level disinfectants, cold-chemical
sterilants, and potent sporicides. Even today glutaraldehyde is
essentially considered the gold- standard for chemical forms of
sterilization. "All disinfectants and new alternative disinfectant
chemicals efficacy are based upon comparison to glutaraldehyde
efficacy." - James H. Bedino
- 4. Production and Structure Glutaraldehyde is produced
industrially by the oxidation of cyclopentene and by the
Diels-Alder reaction of acrolein and methyl vinyl ether followed by
hydrolysis. Like other dialdehydes (e.g., glyoxal), it does not
exist as the dialdehyde but as the hydrate. These hydrates adopt
several structures. Monomeric glutaraldehyde can polymerize by
aldol condensation reaction yielding alpha, beta-unsaturated
poly-glutaraldehyde. This reaction usually occurs at alkaline pH
values.
- 5. Also used for... Sterilant in the health care industry
Tanning agent (most interesting, previously unknown fact about
glutaraldehyde for me) A biocide for metalworking fluids A biocide
for oil and gas pipelines An antimicrobial in water-treatment
systems A preservative in cosmetics A disinfectant in animal
housing A slimicide (paper manufacturing) In the development of
X-rays (hardening agent) A tissue fixative in pathology and
histology labs In the preparation of grafts and bioprostheses In
various clinical applications
- 6. Glutaraldehyde & Formaldehyde There is constant debate
as to the advantages/disadvantages of embalming uses of
formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde. Formaldehyde excels in such
embalming scenarios as edema and produces rabid results that
embalmers as a whole generally considers valuable. Glutaraldehyde
excells at sanitation, has a mildness in reaction, provides a
favorable cosmetic effect; all with prolonged, delayed action
making it an excellent cavity fluid (where contact times are long
and resistant fixation is essential). Options for using both
chemicals to their full advantage (recommended): (during a routine
embalming) use a pre-injection of glutaraldehyde followed by a
primary injection of formaldehyde (to induce the desired results of
firmness, rigidity, skin tightness). Given the low volume of
formaldehyde necessary to produce desired results (typically 4-6
ounces in the last part of the injection of a moderate
concentration [index 20] fluid), it is also favorably effective to
use injections consisting of both glutaraldehyde and a low quantity
of formaldehyde (especially useful when avoiding pre-injection).
Summarily, both formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde have their uses in
the embalming room. Using both in a manner that facilitates their
advantages to be taken advantage of would be optimal. "The overall
goal of chemical selection mix in the modern embalming room should
be a juxtaposition of lowered total overall exposure risk balanced
against sufficient and effective embalming results." - James H.
Bedino
- 7. Works Cited Pg 2 "MSDS Glutaraldehyde Water 50%/50%."
Science Lab.com 21 May 2013. Web document. Data accessed 02 July
2013. http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9924161 Pg 3
"Glutaraldehyde." Chemical Labels 2013. Web image. Data accessed 02
July 2013.
http://www.chemicallabels.com/img/lg/L/Glutaraldehyde-NFPA-Chemical-Label-LB-
1592-063.gif Pg 4/7 Bedino, James H. "Embalming Chemistry:
Glutaraldehyde versus Formaldehyde." Champion Expanding
Encyclopedia of Mortuary Practices No. 649, 2003. 2003. Web
document. Data accessed 02 July 2013.
https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.champion-newera.com
%2FCHAMP.PDFS%2Fencyclo649.pdf Pg 5 "Glutaraldehyde." Wikipedia 8
April 2013. Web. Web image. Data accessed 02 July 2013.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glutaraldehyde Pg 6 "Glutaraldehyde."
Workplace Safety & Health Topics. CDC 24 Feb 2012. Web. Data
accessed 02 July 2013.
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/glutaraldehyde/ Pg 8 "Quantofix
Glutaraldehyde" Macherey-Nagel 2013. Web image. Data accessed 02
July 2013. http://www.mn-net.com/tabid/11208/default.aspx