Respiratory Health Effects among Nurses Exposed to Glutaraldehyde in Menoufia University Hospitals

Objectives: To assess respiratory health effects among nurses in Menoufia university hospitals due to exposure to glutaraldehyde and to determine the impact of some workplace safety measures on such health effects. Background: Glutaraldehyde (GA) is widely used as a disinfectant for surgical instruments and endoscopes. It causes many adverse effects due to its irritant and allergic effects. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on 220 nurses distributed as 110 exposed to glutaraldehyde at operations' rooms and endoscopy units at Menoufia University Hospitals and equal number of nurses who were not occupationally exposed to glutaraldehyde as a control group. Both groups were subjected to structured questionnaire, clinical examination and spirometry .Also, environmental checklist was used to evaluate some workplace safety measures where GA solution has been used. Results: GA exposed nurses had a significantly higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms with decreased ventilatory functions than the control group (P< 0.05). Prevalence of wheezes and asthma among GA exposed were significantly higher in those with longer work duration {20.8% and 27.1%; respectively} (P< 0.001). Rhinitis and cough were significantly higher prevalent {36.6% and 48.8%; respectively} (P=0.021 and 0.006 %; respectively) with a decrease of ventilatory functions among nurses exposed to gluteraldehyde gases and vapours' splashes. Bad ventilation could be associated with higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms and decreased ventilatory functions. Conclusion: Exposure to GA may lead to many adverse respiratory health effects and decreased of ventilatory function among nurses. Applying workplace safety measures are required to reduce such risks.