This chemical is used to disinfect (cold sterilize) and clean heat-sensitive equipment such as dialysis instruments, surgical instruments, suction bottle, bronchoscopes, endoscopes, and ear, nose and throat instruments. It is a colorless, oily liquid with a pungent odor. Glutaraldehyde is also used as a tissue fixative in histology and pathology laboratories and as a hardening agent in the development of x-rays. Many adverse health effects have been reported due to exposure to this chemical. Following exposure, some nurses have become disabled and unable to work. The following resources provide information, support, and safety tips.

WASTE
A national support group comprising well over 100 individuals within the medical community who have been injured by the toxic chemical called Glutaraldehyde.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
This is the federal agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related disease and injury.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
Provides a fact sheet on glutaraldehyde.

The Sustainable Hospital Project
Provides technical support to the health care industry in selecting products that reduce occupational and environmental hazards including latex, mercury, PVC and glutaraldehyde.