| Abstract |
| A representative of National Jewish Hospital (SIC-8221) requested that potential exposure to glutaraldehyde (111308) used by research technologists in various stages of tissue fixing be examined at the facility. Two to three technologists were involved in tissue fixing. Employees previously had reported symptoms such as eye, skin and respiratory irritations and staining of the skin. Four area air samples and two personal breathing zone samples were collected. A ventilation survey was made on each of the laboratory hoods in the departments where glutaraldehyde was in use. Personal breathing zone samples showed no detectable glutaraldehyde. Samples taken of area air registered from not detectable to 0.21 milligrams/cubic meter (mg/m3). Laboratory hoods were used which operated with face velocities between 50 and 150 feet per minute, which was not sufficient for procedures being performed. The author concludes that a health hazard did not exist from glutaraldehyde at this site. The following recommendations are made to eliminate potential hazards: substitution of less hazardous materials, mandatory use of personal protective clothing, use of an organic vapor/formaldehyde cartridge respirator, periodic review of work areas where glutaraldehyde is used, training of employees regarding safe handling procedures and the danger of the material being used, and air monitoring. |
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