HHE Report Information |
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| HHE Number |
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| Title |
| HHE Report No. HETA-90-296-2149, Monongalia General Hospital, Morgantown, West Virginia |
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| Author |
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| Abstract |
| In response to a request from the management of the Monongalia General Hospital (SIC-8062), Morgantown, West Virginia an evaluation was made of employee exposures to a cold disinfecting solution containing 0.13% glutaraldehyde (111308), Sporicidin. The solution was used daily for disinfecting semicritical equipment such as endoscopes and bronchoscopes. The OSHA permissible exposure level for a ceiling exposure concentration of 0.2ppm glutaraldehyde was not exceeded. Exposure estimates for personal breathing zone and area air samples ranged from non detected to 0.08ppm. The author concludes that a health hazard from inhalation exposure to glutaraldehyde did not exist for nurses and technicians who perform cold disinfection and sterilizing procedures. There was a dermal hazard for personnel using the solution due to improper use and selection of personal protective equipment and poor work practices. The author recommends specific measures to reduce exposures including the mandatory use of personal protective clothing and equipment, training of employees, and air monitoring. |
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| Keywords |
| NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; HETA-90-296-2149; Hazard-Unconfirmed; Region-3; Organic-vapors; Occupational-exposure; Health-care-personnel; Disinfectants; Hospital-equipment; |
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