Glutaraldehyde

Jason Mason

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.

BackgroundIn 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

Production and StructureGlutaraldehyde 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.

Also used for...Sterilant in the health care

industryTanning agent (most interesting,

previously unknown fact about glutaraldehyde for me)

A biocide for metalworking fluids A biocide for oil and gas pipelinesAn antimicrobial in water-treatment

systemsA preservative in cosmetics

A disinfectant in animal housingA 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

Glutaraldehyde vs. FormaldehydeThere 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 rapid results that embalmers as a whole generally considers valuable. Glutaraldehyde excells at sanitation, has a mildness in reaction, and 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

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