Evaluation of the occupational exposure to glutaraldehyde in some endoscopic services in an Italian hospital

The aim of this work was to evaluate airborne glutaraldehyde exposure and so to organise efficiently the prevention of risks due to the manipulation of this substance in endoscope units in the medical facilities. Personal sampling in the breathing zone of the workers were taken for 2min in sixteen endoscope units in a hospital during the replacement of glutaraldehyde in basins, tubes and automatic endloscope washing machines (lavaendoscopes). Sampling was performed by solid phase microextraction (SPME); the analysis of the glutaraldlehyde-derivative was by gas chromatography. The highest levels of glutaraldehyde were observed in rooms without ventilation and where local aspiration systems were used during filling of basins, tubes and lavaendoscopes with 2% glutaraldehyde solution. The results obtained during this campaign of measurements allowed us to point out the operations which have the highest degree of risk for employees and to suggest suitable measures for prevention and individual protection.