glutaraldehyde

H301: Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]

H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]

H330: Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H334: May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled [Danger Sensitization, respiratory]

H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

H400: Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]

H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

P233, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P272, P273, P280, P284, P301+P316, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P319, P320, P321, P330, P333+P317, P342+P316, P362+P364, P363, P391, P403, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for < 0.1% (1 of 2123) of reports.

H301 (> 99.9%): Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H314 (> 99.9%): Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]

H317 (> 99.9%): May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]

H318 (18.7%): Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H330 (20.1%): Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H331 (82.6%): Toxic if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H334 (> 99.9%): May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled [Danger Sensitization, respiratory]

H335 (19%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

H400 (99.9%): Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]

H411 (16.1%): Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

P233, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P272, P273, P280, P284, P301+P316, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P317, P319, P320, P321, P330, P333+P317, P342+P316, P362+P364, P363, P391, P403, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 2123 reports by companies from 44 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 1 of 2123 reports by companies.

There are 43 notifications provided by 2122 of 2123 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

H227: Combustible liquid [Warning Flammable liquids]

H311: Toxic in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]

H318: Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]

H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

P210, P233, P260, P261, P262, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P272, P273, P280, P284, P301+P316, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P308+P316, P316, P317, P319, P320, P321, P330, P333+P317, P342+P316, P361+P364, P362+P364, P363, P370+P378, P391, P403, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H312: Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]

P210, P233, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P272, P280, P284, P301+P316, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P308+P316, P316, P317, P319, P320, P321, P330, P333+P317, P342+P316, P362+P364, P363, P370+P378, P403, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

H401: Toxic to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]

H412: Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

P233, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P272, P273, P280, P284, P301+P317, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P317, P321, P330, P333+P317, P342+P316, P362+P364, P363, P403, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer immediately for medical attention.

Wear protective gloves when administering first aid. Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower for at least 15 minutes. Refer for medical attention .

Rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible). Refer immediately for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer immediately for medical attention.

Wear protective gloves when administering first aid. Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower for at least 15 minutes. Refer immediately for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer immediately for medical attention.

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

(General first aid procedures)

Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.

Skin: Water flush immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately flush the contaminated skin with water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water. Get medical attention promptly.

Breathing: Respiratory support

Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.

Fires involving this material can be controlled with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguisher. (NTP, 1992)

In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media.

Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.

Advice for firefighters: Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary.

Extinguish fire using an agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. Glutaraldehyde itself does not burn ... Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or alchohol foam extinguishers. Vapors are heavier than air and will collect in low areas. Vapors may travel long distances to ignition sources and flashback. Vapors in confined areas may explode when exposed to fire. Containers may explode in fire. Storage containers and parts of containers may rocket great distances, in many directions. If material or contaminated runoff enters waterways, notify downstream users of potentially contaminated waters. Notify local health and fire officials and pollution control agencies. From a secure, explosion-proof location, use water spray to cool exposed containers. If cooling streams are ineffective (venting sound increases in volume and pitch, tank discolors or shows any signs of deforming), withdraw immediately to a secure position ... The only respirators recommended for fire fighting are self-contained breathing apparatuses that have full facepieces and are operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Wash away remainder with plenty of water. Store and dispose of according to local regulations.

Consult an expert! Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Wash away remainder with plenty of water. Store and dispose of according to local regulations.

Accidental release measures. Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas.; Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoided. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.

Spill handling: evacuate persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until clean-up is complete. Remove all ignition sources. Ventilate area of spill or leak. Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, peat, carbon, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. Keep this chemical out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the build-up of explosive concentrations.It may be necessary to contain and dispose of this chemical as a hazardous waste. If material or contaminated runoff enters waterways, notify downstream users of potentially contaminated waters. Contact your local or federal environmental protection agency for specific recommendations. If employees are required to clean up spills, they must be properly trained and equipped. OSHA 1910.120(q) may be applicable

Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Wash away remainder with plenty of water. Chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment.

SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.

Product: Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Dissolve or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.

Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

Do not discharge effluent containing this product into lakes, streams, ponds, estuaries, oceans, or other waters unless in accordance with the requirements of a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and the permitting authority has been notified in writing prior to discharge. Do not discharge effluent containing this product to sewer systems without previously notifying the local sewage treatment plant authority. For guidance contact your State Water Board or Regional Office of the EPA.

Precautions for safe handling: Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid inhalation of vapor or mist.

Appropriate engineering controls: Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.

Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.

Fogging of poultry houses should only be done in such a way that the operator is outside the poultry house when applying the fog. A re-entry interval (REI) of 3 hours applies to all end-use product labels listing poultry house fogging as a use.

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for Glutaraldehyde (13 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you should spill this chemical, use absorbent paper to pick up all liquid spill material. Seal the absorbent paper, as well as any of your clothing which may be contaminated, in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Wash any surfaces you may have contaminated with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.

STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: You should keep this material in a tightly closed container under an inert atmosphere, and store it at refrigerated temperatures. (NTP, 1992)

Store only in original container. Well closed. Separated from food and feedstuffs, incompatible materials and amines. Separated from strong oxidizers and strong bases. Keep in a well-ventilated room. Keep in the dark.

Store only in original container. Well closed. Keep in the dark. Keep in a well-ventilated room. Separated from food and feedstuffs and incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.

Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Recommended storage temperature: -20 °C. Store under inert gas. Air sensitive.

Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from strong acids, caustics, ammonia, amines, oxidizers.

0.05 [ppm]

0.20 [ppm]

1.0 [ppm]

5.0 [ppm]

0.2 ppm (0.8 mg/m³)

C 0.2 ppm (0.8 mg/m3) See Appendix C (Aldehydes)

none See Appendix G

See: IDLH INDEX

Ceiling Limit: 0.05 ppm, sensitizer. /Glutaraldehyde, activated and inactivated/

A4; Not classifiable as a human carcinogen.

2014 Notice of Intended Changes (NIC) - Updates of Sensitizer (SEN) Notations to Dermal Sensitizer (DSEN) and/or Respiratory Sensitizer (RSEN). The following substance is placed on the NIC for review of this notation only. Substance: Glutaraldehyde (CAS No. 111-30-8), activated or unactivated; TWA: None; STEL: Ceiling 0.05 ppm); Notations: DSEN, RSEN, A4; Molecular Weight: 100.11; TLV Basis: URT (upper respiratory tract), skin and eye irritation; CNS impairment.

(ceiling value): 0.05 ppm as STEL; (DSEN); (RSEN); A4 (not classifiable as a human carcinogen).

0.05 ppm [1998]

0.21 mg/m

ERPG-1: 0.2 ppm - one hour exposure limit: 1 = mild transient health effects or objectionable odor [AIHA]

ERPG-2: 1 ppm - one hour exposure limit: 2 = impaired ability to take protective action [AIHA]

ERPG-3: 5 ppm - one hour exposure limit: 3 = life threatening health effects [AIHA]

Emergency Response Planning Guidelines (ERPG): ERPG(1) 0.2 ppm (no more than mild, transient effects) for up to 1 hr exposure. Odor should be detectable near ERPG-1.; ERPG(2) 1 ppm (without serious, adverse effects) for up to 1 hr exposure; ERPG(3) 5 ppm (not life threatening) up to 1 hr exposure.

Emergency Response Planning Guidlines (ERPGs) for glutaraldehyde:[Table#2528]

A harmful contamination of the air will be reached rather slowly on evaporation of this substance at 20 °C.

The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract.

Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. Repeated or prolonged inhalation may cause asthma.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]:

Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. (ERG, 2024)

Eye/face protection: Tightly fitting safety goggles. Faceshield (8-inch minimum). Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).

Handle with gloves.

Body Protection: Complete suit protecting against chemicals. The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.

Respiratory protection: Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a full-face respirator with multipurpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls. If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator. Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).

For more Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Complete) data for Glutaraldehyde (10 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Important additional information about respirator selection

See Chemical Dangers.

AVOID ALL CONTACT! FIRST AID: USE PERSONAL PROTECTION.

AVOID ALL CONTACT!

Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.

Protective gloves. Protective clothing.

Wear safety goggles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.

Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

Glutaraldehyde solution is a light yellow liquid. Mixes with water. (USCG, 1999)

Dry Powder; Liquid

Colorless liquid with a pungent odor; [NIOSH] Clear, viscous colorless liquid; [ICSC] Light yellow liquid; [CAMEO] Colorless or light yellow liquid with a sharp pungent odor; Commercially available in aqueous solutions ranging from 2-50%; [Reference #1]

CLEAR VISCOUS COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH PUNGENT ODOUR.

CLEAR COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH PUNGENT ODOUR.

Colorless liquid with a pungent odor.

Colorless liquid

Pungent odor

Sweetish

369 to 372 °F at 760 mmHg (decomposes) (NTP, 1992)

187-189 °C (decomposes)

Boiling point: 106-108 °C at 50 mm Hg, 71-72 °C at 10 mm Hg

188.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg

369-372 °

less than 20 °F (USCG, 1999)

Freezing point: -14 °C

>95 °C c.c.

greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992)

Miscible with water

Soluble in ethanol, benzene, ether

Miscible with ethanol

Solubility in water: miscible

Miscible

1.062 to 1.124 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999)

Relative density (water = 1): 0.7

1.33 g/cm³

0.72 @25 °C

3.4 (Air = 1)

Relative vapor density (air = 1): 3.5

Relative vapor density (air = 1): 1.05

17 mmHg at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)

0.6 [mmHg]

Vapor pressure (20 °C): 0.0152 torr (50% aqueous solution); 0.0012 torr (2% aqueous solution)

0.6 mm Hg at 30 °C

Vapor pressure, kPa at 20 °C: 2.3

0.6 [mm Hg] @30 °C

log Kow = -0.33

Henry's Law constant = 3.30X10-8 atm-cu m/mol at 25 °C

Stable under recommended storage conditions.

Acid glutaraldehyde is more stable than alkaline glutaraldehyde.

Polymerizes in the presence of water. (NTP, 1992)

Aldehydes

Polymerizable Compounds

Water and Aqueous Solutions

Polymerizable

Water-Reactive

GLUTARALDEHYDE may discolor on exposure to air. It polymerizes on heating. This chemical is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. It polymerizes in the presence of water. (NTP, 1992)

Incompatible materials: Strong bases, strong oxidizing agents, strong acids.

A strong reducing agent. Incompatible with strong acids, caustics, ammonia, amines, strong oxidizers. Alkaline solutions of gluaraldehyde (i.e., activated glutaraldehyde) react with alcohol, ketones, amines, hydrazines, and proteins.

Strong oxidizers, strong bases [Note: Alkaline solutions of glutaraldehyde (i.e., activated glutaraldehyde) react with alcohol, ketones, amines, hydrazines and proteins].

Strong oxidizers, strong bases [Note: Alkaline solutions of glutaraldehyde (i.e., activated glutaraldehyde) react with alcohol, ketones, amines, hydrazines & proteins.]

CDC-ATSDR Toxicological Profile

Based upon the animal and clinical data presented in this report, the CIR Expert Panel concludes that Glutaral is safe for use at concentrations up to 0.5% in rinse-off products. There is insufficient data to determine the safety of Glutaral in leave-on products. Glutaral should not be used in aerosolized products.

Safe for use in cosmetics, with qualifications

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Glutaraldehyde is a colorless liquid. It is registered for pesticide use in the U.S. but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses. It is used as algaecide, bacteriocide and fungicide. Glutaraldehyde is used as a tissue fixative in histology and electron and light microscopy, generally as a 1.5-6% aqueous solution. Glutaraldehyde is used, generally in conjunction with wetting agents, to control viruses and other micro-organisms in fish farming. Glutaraldehyde is allowed as a preservative in cosmetics in Europe at concentrations up to 0.1%. It is not allowed in aerosols and sprays. Glutaraldehyde is a biocide commonly used in a 2% concentration for cold sterilization of surgical and dental equipment. Biocides, such as glutaraldehyde, are added to eliminate bacterial growth in fracturing fluids. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Exposure to concentrations < 1 ppm by inhalation or skin contact may cause irritation of the skin and/or mucous membranes. The critical effects of glutaraldehyde exposure are eye, skin, and respiratory irritation, skin sensitization and occupational asthma. Nose and throat irritation has been observed in humans at vapor concentrations below 0.2 ppm. Occupational asthma has also been reported in workers exposed to dilute solutions of glutaraldehyde. Contact dermatitis and eye irritation have been reported in workers using glutaraldehyde solutions, usually 2% or higher. Skin sensitization has been confirmed in workers using dilute solutions. Other symptoms that may be brought on by glutaraldehyde exposure include heart palpitations and tachycardia. The incidence of death and incidence of cancer deaths in 186 male employees at a glutaraldehyde production unit were compared to those of US white males and to 29,000 other chemical workers during the period 1959 - 1978. All subjects were observed for 10 yr. The number of deaths was less than expected, as was the incidence of cancer deaths. ANIMAL STUDIES: Glutaraldehyde was corrosive to the skin and eyes of rabbits at high concentrations, with signs of skin irritation evident at 2%, and eye irritation at 0.2%. In an inhalation study where mice were exposed to glutaraldehyde at concentrations of 33 or 133 ppb for 24 hours, the animals exhibited panting and increased grooming, mice that inhaled the highest concentration developed toxic hepatitis. Following a single whole-body inhalation exposure at 1 ppm for 1 day, rats and mice developed coagulation pathology of the upper respiratory tract squamous epithelium. After 4 days of such exposures, inflammatory granulocytic infiltrate into the squamous epithelium and lamina propria with thickened epithelium of the nasal lumen ensued. In those animals inhaling 0.5 or 1 ppm glutaraldehyde for four days, the nasal passages became obstructed with intraluminal debris; degenerative/hyperplastic erosions with epithelial abscesses extended as far as the nasopharyngeal meatus in the 1-ppm exposure group. A study of male and female rats given glutaraldehyde in drinking water at concentrations of 0, 50, 250, or 100 ppm through two generations indicated a dose-related decrease in parental water consumption and body weight (attributed to adverse taste) and decrease in offspring (1000-ppm group) body weights. No adverse reproductive effects were observed. In other study there was a significant dose-dependent reduction in the average of maternal body weight gain and a significant increase in the number of stunted (body weight) and malformed fetuses at the 5 mL/mg/day dose level. Early mutagenicity studies were negative, but more recent studies have indicated that glutaraldehyde is mutagenic in vitro in bacterial assays and tests in mammalian cells. In vivo genotoxicity tests to date have proven negative. Groups of 50 male and 50 female rats and mice were exposed to glutaraldehyde vapor at concentrations of 0, 0.25, 0.50, or 0.75 (rats) and 0, 0.062, 0.12, or 0.25 ppm (mice) 6 hr/day, 5 days /week. The incidences of non-neoplastic lesions of the nose were reported to be significantly increased in the 0.50 and 0.75-ppm exposed rats and in the 0.12 and 0.25-ppm exposed male and female mice. ECOTOXICITY STUDIES: Available chronic toxicity data for glutaraldehyde indicate that continuous exposure results in measurable effects on coldwater fish at a concentration of 5.1 mg a.i./L. A second study on coldwater fish resulted in measurable effects at 2.5 mg a.i./L. Measurable effects on freshwater invertebrates were noted at concentrations of 8.5 mg/L product and 4.9 mg a.i./L.

A4; Not classifiable as a human carcinogen. /Glutaraldehyde/

Glutaraldehyde

TR-490: Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Glutaraldehyde (CASRN 111-30-8) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Inhalation Studies) (1999 )

10/30/98

No Evidence

Under the conditions of these 2-year inhalation studies, there was no evidence of carcinogenic activity of glutaraldehyde in male or female F344/N rats exposed to 250, 500, or 750 ppb. There was no evidence of carcinogenic activity in male or female B6C3F1 mice exposed to 62.5, 125, or 250 ppb.

Incidences of nonneoplastic lesions of the nose were significantly increased in male and female rats and mice.

No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour, through the skin and by ingestion.

inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Cough. Sore throat. Nosebleeds. Laboured breathing. Further see Ingestion.

Redness. Pain. Skin burns.

Redness. Pain. Burns. Corneal damage.

Abdominal pain. Nausea. Diarrhoea. Vomiting.

Redness. Pain. Burning sensation.

irritation eyes, skin, respiratory system; dermatitis, sensitization skin; cough, asthma; nausea, vomiting

Dermal (Skin), Gastrointestinal (Stomach and Intestines, part of the digestive system), Ocular (Eyes), Renal (Urinary System or Kidneys), Respiratory (From the Nose to the Lungs)

Eyes, skin, respiratory system

Occupational hepatotoxin - Secondary hepatotoxins: the potential for toxic effect in the occupational setting is based on cases of poisoning by human ingestion or animal experimentation.

Dermatotoxin - Skin burns.

Skin Sensitizer - An agent that can induce an allergic reaction in the skin.

Asthma - Reversible bronchoconstriction (narrowing of bronchioles) initiated by the inhalation of irritating or allergenic agents.

ACGIH Carcinogen - Not Classifiable.

ATSDR Final

LC50 (rat) > 480 mg/m3/4hr

LD50 Rat oral 134 mg/kg

LD50 Rat male oral 246mg/kg

LD50 Rat female oral 154 mg/kg

LD50 Rat male oral 315 mg/kg

For more Non-Human Toxicity Values (Complete) data for Glutaraldehyde (41 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand-valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR as necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Aldehydes and Related Compounds/

Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Aggressive airway management may be necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 mL/kg up to 200 mL of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool. Administer activated charcoal ... . /Aldehydes and Related Compounds/

Advanced treatment: Consider Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Intubation should be considered at the first sign of upper airway obstruction caused by edema. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Consider administering a beta agonist such as albuterol for severe bronchospasm ... . Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's (LR) if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Consider vasopressors if patient is hypotensive with a normal fluid volume. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam (Valium) or lorazepam (Ativan) ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Aldehydes and Related Compounds/

Treatment should be aimed at recognition and management of GI hemorrhage, ulceration, and perforation and any systemic effects, such as central nervous system depression and hypotension. If no respiratory compromise is present, dilute immediately with water.

For more Antidote and Emergency Treatment (Complete) data for Glutaraldehyde (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ The purpose of this study was to evaluate bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) components and Clara cell protein (CC16) concentration in serum and BALF in patients with glutaraldehyde (GA)-induced asthma, before and after a specific inhalatory provocation test (SIPT) with GA, in comparison to atopic asthmatics and healthy individuals. Spirometry and bronchoalveolar lavage were performed before and after SIPT. The serum and BALF concentrations of CC16 and cytogram content in BALF were evaluated. In GA-sensitized asthmatics, the level of CC16 in BALF and serum was significantly lower at 24 hr after SIPT in comparison with the values recorded prior to the experiment. There was a significant increase in the proportion of eosinophils, basophils and lymphocytes in BALF of GA-sensitized asthmatics obtained after SIPT. ... The determination of CC16 either in serum or in BALF is a non-invasive test to detect Clara cell damage.

LD50; Species: Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard duck) oral 820 mg/kg for 14 days /50% glutaraldehyde/

LD50; Species: Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard duck) oral 2109 mg/kg for 28 days /14% glutaraldehyde/

LC50; Species: Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard duck) dietary > 5125 ppm for 8 days /50% glutaraldehyde/

LC50; Species: Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard duck) dietary >10,000 ppm for 8 days /50% glutaraldehyde/

For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for Glutaraldehyde (47 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ The biocide glutaraldehyde (GA) is widely used as a disinfectant and sterilizing agent against bacteria and virus in hospital and veterinary facilities. GA or its metabolites may reach aquatic ecosystems due to incomplete or inadequate treatment of wastewaters ... In this work, a battery of toxicity tests with primary producers, primary consumers and secondary consumers were performed and a species sensitive distribution (SSD) for GA was built. Moreover, effects on biomarkers (catalase, lactate dehydrogenase, glutathione-S-transferase, and cholinesterase) were measured in Danio rerio embryos and adults. Primary consumers (Thamnocephalus platyurus 24hr - EC50=3.6 mg/L; Daphnia magna 48 hr - EC50=6.6 mg/L) and D. rerio adults (96 hr - LC50=5.5 mg/L) were slightly more sensitive to GA than D. rerio embryos (96 hr - LC50=22.2 mg/L) and primary producers (Lemna minor 168 hr - EC50=73.8 mg/L; Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata 72hr - EC50=12.3 mg/L; Chlamydomonas reinhardtii 72 hr - EC50=14.6 mg/L; Chlorella vulgaris 72 hr - EC50=31.3 mg/L). However, no significant differences between the trophic levels were found and general HC5 and HC50 values of 0.6 and 11.4 mg/L were respectively estimated. Despite the low GA toxicity to D. rerio embryos, hatching delay and malformations were found (96 hr - EC50=11.9 mg/L). For biomarkers, an inhibition of lactate dehydrogenase activity was observed in embryos whereas an inhibition in catalase, lactate dehydrogenase and glutathione-S-transferase activities was observed in adults. Thus, GA is moderately toxic (doses>1mg/L) to aquatic organisms, independently of the trophic level. However, considering the varied range of effects depending on the life stage and organism tested and relatively low HC5 value of 0.6 mg/L, mesocosm and chronic toxicity tests seem to be the next step in direction of more realistic scenarios of GA risk assessment in aquatic ecosystems.

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ Glutaraldehyde (GA), an aliphatic dialdehyde disinfectant, and surfactants, one of the major components of detergents, are widely used in hospitals in order to eliminate pathogenic organisms causing nosocomial infectious diseases. After their use, disinfectants and surfactants reach the wastewater network together. The discharge of chemical compounds from hospital activities into wastewater is also a well-known problem, causing pollution of water resources and constituting an ecological risk for aquatic organisms. In this study, the chemistry and toxicology of GA and surfactant mixtures were reviewed in order to estimate their fate in aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, their joint effects on aquatic organisms were experimentally assessed in the laboratory. A simple model of the additive joint action of toxicants was used to determine combined acute toxicity effects on the bacteria luminescence and Daphnia mobility of three mixtures containing GA at 1.5 x EC50 24 hr [in mg/L] on Daphnia and anionic, cationic and nonionic surfactants at twice their critical micellar concentration (CMC). The mixture of GA and a cationic surfactant gave an EC50 30 min on Vibrio fischeri of 0.158%, with a concentration of 0.04 mg GA/L and 1.04 mg CTAB/L, which provided an additive action. The interaction between GA and an anionic surfactant on V. fischeri produced an antagonistic joint action with an EC50 30 min of 3.95%, containing 1.06 mg GA/L and 33.2 mg SDS/L. A synergistic action with an EC50 30 min of 8.4% on V. fischeri was observed for the mixture containing GA and a nonionic surfactant. Antagonistic interactions were observed for the joint action between GA and the surfactants studied on Daphnia. The mixture of GA and CTAB was more toxic (EC50 24 h=0.02%) than the two other mixtures (EC50 24 hr GA+SDS=6%; EC50 24 hr GA+TX 100=10%). This study provides new data on the toxicity of certain hospital pollutants entering the aquatic environment and detected in surface and groundwaters. ...

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ ... To assess the potential for environmental impacts associated with glutaraldehyde, three standard chronic toxicity bioassays were performed: 96-hr phytoplankton growth bioassays using Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata (formerly, Selenastrum capricornutum), three-brood reproduction bioassays using Ceriodaphnia dubia, and an embryo-larval bioassay using steelhead trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. For the green alga, P. subcapitata, significant decreases in growth were observed at glutaraldehyde concentrations greater than or equal to 1.0 mg/L. Embryos of O. mykiss demonstrated a similar sensitivity with exposures of 2.5 mg/L resulting in a 97% reduction in hatch rate. In most cases, this failure to hatch was due to the inability of the embryo to leave the chorion and not to early embryo mortality. In contrast, reproduction and mortality rates in C. dubia were not as sensitive to glutaraldehyde: decreased reproduction was detected at 4.9 mg/L (the lowest observed effect concentration), and is similar to concentrations causing acute mortality in adults (4.7 mg/L for the estimated LC(50), or 50% lethal concentration).

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ The acute toxicity of glutaraldehyde, complexed with sodium bisulfite, dibasic ammonium phosphate (DAP) and sodium hydroxide at varying concentrations was also investigated in freshwater fish, freshwater invertebrates and aquatic plants. Results of the freshwater fish studies indicate that deactivation with sodium bisulfite reduces the acute toxicity of glutaraldehyde to warmwater fish when compared to untreated glutaraldehyde. ... In freshwater invertebrates (Daphnia magna), acute toxicity of gluteraldehyde complexed with sodium bisulfite, sodium hydroxide, and DAP at varying concentrations was also reduced.

For more Ecotoxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for Glutaraldehyde (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

6.00e+03

7.00e+04

8.30e-02

3.50e-01

2.00e+03

4.00e+03

4.00e-01

1.00e-01

Volatile

1.80e+04

2.10e+05

2.50e-01

1.10e+00

The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms.

Glutaraldehyde's production and use as a disinfectant, as a cross-linking agent, as a tanning agent for leather and use in the paper and textile industries to improve wet strength and dimensional stability of fibers may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. Its use as a biocide in water treatment, hydraulic fracturing fluids and oil-field applications and as a preservative in cosmetics and personal-care products will result in its direct release to the environment. Glutaraldehyde has been detected in gasoline and diesel engine emissions. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 0.6 mm Hg at 30 °C indicates glutaraldehyde will exist solely as a vapor in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase glutaraldehyde will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 16 hours. Glutaraldehyde may be susceptible to direct photolysis in the atmosphere based upon aqueous photolysis studies. If released to soil, glutaraldehyde is expected to have very high to moderate mobility based upon measured Koc values ranging from 5.1 to 500. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon a Henry's Law constant of 3.3X10-8 atm-cu m/mole. Glutaraldehyde is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure and it has been reported that small amounts of glutaraldehyde will volatilize to the atmosphere. Results of biodegradation screening tests indicate that glutaraldehyde is readily biodegradable. A soil degradation study using a loamy sand soil observed a pseudo-first order dissipation half-life of 1.7 days due primarily to soil microorganisms. If released into water, glutaraldehyde is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the Koc. In a closed bottle test using seawater as inoculum, glutaraldehyde showed 73% degradation in 28 days indicating that biodegradation is expected to be an important fate process in water. Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's Henry's Law constant. An estimated BCF of 3 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. At 25 °C, glutaraldehyde has measured hydrolysis half-lives of 508-628, 102-394 and 46-63.8 days at pH 5, pH 7 and pH 9 respectively. The measured half-life for the photolysis of aqueous solutions of glutaraldehyde exposed to natural sunlight was 196 days. Occupational exposure to glutaraldehyde may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where glutaraldehyde is produced or used. Use and limited monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to glutaraldehyde via inhalation of ambient air and dermal contact with consumer products containing glutaraldehyde. (SRC)

Glutaraldehyde's production and use as a disinfectant and sanitizer(1,2), as a cross-linking agent, as a tanning agent for leather and use in the paper and textile industries to improve wet strength and dimensional stability of fibers(3) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). Its use as a biocide in water treatment, hydraulic fracturing fluids and oil-field applications(1,2) and as a disinfectant in cosmetics and personal-care products(4) will result in its direct release to the environment(SRC). Glutaraldehyde has been detected in gasoline and diesel engine emissions(5).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), measured Koc values ranging from 5.1 to 500(2,3) indicate that glutaraldehyde is expected to have very high to moderate mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of glutaraldehyde from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 3.3X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(2). Glutaraldehyde is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 0.6 mm Hg at 30 °C(4), and it has been reported that small amounts of glutaraldehyde will volatilize to the atmosphere(4). Results of biodegradation screening tests indicate that glutaraldehyde is readily biodegradable(2,3,5). A soil degradation study using a loamy sand soil and and initial glutaraldehyde concentration of 10 ppm observed a pseudo-first order dissipation half-life of 1.7 days due primarily to soil microorganisms(3).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), measured Koc values ranging from 5.1 to 500(2,3) indicate that glutaraldehyde is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(4) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 3.3X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(2). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow of -0.33(2) and a regression-derived equation(6), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Results of biodegradation screening tests indicate that glutaraldehyde is readily biodegradable(2,3,7). In a closed bottle test using seawater as inoculum, glutaraldehyde showed 73% degradation in 28 days(2). At 25 °C, glutaraldehyde has measured hydrolysis half-lives of 508-628, 102-394 and 46-63.8 days at pH 5, pH 7 and pH 9 respectively(2,3). The measured half-life for the photolysis of sterile aqueous solutions of glutaraldehyde exposed to natural sunlight was 196 days(2).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), glutaraldehyde, which has a vapor pressure of 0.6 mm Hg at 30 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase glutaraldehyde is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 15 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 2.52X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Aqueous solutions of glutaraldehyde have an observed photolysis half-life of 196 days when exposed to sunlight(4) suggesting that direct photolysis may occur in the ambient atmosphere(SRC).

AEROBIC: Glutaraldehyde, present at 100 mg/L, reached 59% of its theoretical BOD in 4 weeks using an activated sludge inoculum at 30 mg/L in the Japanese MITI test(1). Using OECD Guideline 301C (Ready biodegradability: Modified MITI Test (I)), glutaraldehyde reached 74% of its theoretical BOD in 28 days and 80% DOC in 15 days with classified the compound as readily biodegradable(2). Glutaraldehyde was found to be readily biodegradable using OECD Guideline 301D (Closed Bottle Test)(2). In a DOC die-away test, glutaradehyde, present at 25 mg/L, showed 83% degradation in 5 days using a sewage inoculum(3). Glutaraldehyde, present at 8.3 mg/L, degraded 60% in 28 days using sewage inoculum in a CO2 evolution test(3). In a closed bottle test, glutaraldehyde present at 2.0 mg/L, degraded 64% in 28 days using a Polyseed inoculum(3). A higher biodegradability with a short lag time was observed when the glutaraldehyde concentrations in the test systems were low (<2 mg/L) than when the concentrations were high (>8 mg/L). Since bacterial inhibition for glutaraldehyde occurs at about 5 mg/L, the lower biodegradation rates observed in studies where high concentrations of glutaraldehyde were used were likely due to inhibition of the inoculum(3). In a closed bottle test using seawater as inoculum, glutaraldehyde showed 73% degradation in 28 days(3). The major metabolite of glutaraldehyde produced by microbes in an aerobic sediment-river water system was carbon dioxide, with glutaric acid formed as an intermediate in the water phase(3). The calculated pseudo-first-order half-life of glutaraldehyde catabolism in water (based on the loss of the parent compound) under aerobic conditions was 10.6 hours(3). A soil degradation study using a loamy sand soil and initial glutaraldehyde concentration of 10 ppm observed a pseudo-first order biodegradation half-life of 1.7 days due primarily to soil microorganisms(4).

ANAEROBIC: The major metabolites of glutaraldehyde produced by microbes in an anaerobic sediment-river water system were 1,5-pentanediol with 5-hydroxypentanal formed as an intermediate, and 3-formyl-6-hydroxy-2-cyclohexene-1-propanal, a cyclicized dimer of glutaraldehyde. The calculated pseudo-first-order half-life of glutaraldehyde catabolism in water (based on the loss of the parent compound) under anaerobic conditions was 7.7 hours(1).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of glutaraldehyde with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been measured as 2.52X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 15 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(2). The measured first-order rate constants of the hydrolysis of glutaraldehyde at pH 5 and 7 were 0.0014 and 0.0068 per day (at 25 °C), which corresponds to half-lives of 508 and 102 days, respectively(3). At pH 9, the first-order rate constant was measured to be 0.015 per day, corresponding to a half-life of 46 days(4). The only major degradate observed and identified was a cyclized dimer of glutaraldehyde, 3-formyl-6-hydroxy-2-cyclohexene-1-propanal(3). Hydrolysis tests conducted at 40 and 50 °C and pH 9 for 165 hours determined the hydrolysis half-life is >24 hours at 50 °C and >59 hours at 40 °C(4). An hydrolysis test according to OECD Guideline 111 (Hydrolysis as a Function of pH) reported glutaraldehyde to be hydrolytically stable at pH 4 and pH 7 with decomposition at pH 9(4). At 25 °C, hydrolysis half-lives were 628, 394 and 63.8 days respectively at pH 5, pH 7 and pH 9(4). The measured first-order rate constant for the photolysis of sterile aqueous solutions of glutaraldehyde exposed to natural sunlight was 0.0035 per day with a corresponding half life was 196 days(3).

An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated for glutaraldehyde(SRC), using a log Kow of -0.33(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).

Aqueous solutions of [14C] glutaraldehyde in 0.01 M calcium chloride were prepared at concentrations of 0.51, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.3 g/L and used to determine the adsorption/desorption characteristics of glutaraldehyde in various soil types according to FIFRA 163-1 guidelines(1). Measured Koc values were 210, 500, 340, 460, and 120 in sandy loam, silty clay loam, silt loam, loamy sand, and sediment, respectively(1). Batch adsorption studies determined Koc values of 22.2, 18.9 and 5.1 in New York loam, Nebraska silt loam and Highview clay loam soils respectively(3). According to a classification scheme(2), these Koc values suggest that glutaraldehyde is expected to have very high to moderate mobility in soil.

The Henry's Law constant for glutaraldehyde has been experimentally determined to be 3.30X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that glutaraldehyde is expected to be essentially nonvolatile from water surfaces(2). Glutaraldehyde's Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not expected to occur(SRC). Glutaraldehyde is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 0.6 mm Hg(3), and it has been reported that small amounts of glutaraldehyde will volatilize to the atmosphere(4).

Glutaraldehyde was detected at mean emission factors of 0.13 and 0.06 mg/kg fuel burned in the emissions from light-duty vehicles measured in a San Francisco Bay area highway tunnel bore during the summers of 2001 and 2006, respectively(1). Glutaraldehyde was not detected in samples taken in 1999. The mean glutaraldehyde emission factor for medium- and heavy-duty diesel trucks measured in 2006 in a separate mixed-traffic bore of the tunnel was 0.55 mg/kg fuel burned(1). Glutaraldehyde concentrations of 170-3700 ug/L were detected in pharmaceutical wastewater effluents from Rouen, France(2).

According to the 2012 TSCA Inventory Update Reporting data, 5 reporting facilities estimate the number of persons reasonably likely to be exposed in manufacturing, processing, or use of glutaraldehyde in the United States may be as low as <10 workers and as high as 50-99 workers per plant; the data may be greatly underestimated due to confidential business information (CBI) or unknown values(1).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 367,330 workers (265,564 of these were female) were potentially exposed to glutaraldehyde in the US(1). The NOES Survey does not include farm workers. Occupational exposure to glutaraldehyde may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where glutaraldehyde is produced or used. Use and limited monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to glutaraldehyde via inhalation of ambient air and dermal contact with consumer products containing glutaraldehyde(SRC).

Occupational exposure to health care workers is common. Sensitization has occurred mainly through its use as a cold sterilizing solution in hospitals and dental clinics where medical and allied professionals including x-ray film handlers may be exposed to activated glutaraldehyde in concentrations of 0.13-2%.

SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.

Product: Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Dissolve or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.

Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

Do not discharge effluent containing this product into lakes, streams, ponds, estuaries, oceans, or other waters unless in accordance with the requirements of a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and the permitting authority has been notified in writing prior to discharge. Do not discharge effluent containing this product to sewer systems without previously notifying the local sewage treatment plant authority. For guidance contact your State Water Board or Regional Office of the EPA.

Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.

Symbol: T, N; R: 23/25-34-42/43-50; S: (1/2)-26-36/37/39-45-61

UN Hazard Class: 6.1; UN Pack Group: III

UN Hazard Class: 6.1; UN Pack Group: II