Glutaraldehyde is a chemical compound of a powerful odorless, colorless, and tasteless liquid used in various industries including water treatments and medicine. Glutaraldehyde is used as a disinfectant, sterilizing agent and as a preservative. It is also used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Glutaraldehyde works by killing bacteria and fungi through a process known as oxidation.
Glutaraldehyde causes rapid oxidation of proteins, nucleic acids and lipids to penetrate the surface of cells. The oxidation leads to a decrease in cellular activities, resulting in death. It is considered relatively safe for humans at low concentrations, but long-term inhalation exposure has been linked to respiratory problems.
Glutaraldehyde is widely used as an inactivating agent in various medical and laboratory applications due to its ability to rapidly kill or inactivate a wide range of organisms. In the medical field it is used to sterilize medical equipment to kill infectious organisms and help prevent the spread of disease. In laboratories, it is used to inactivate enzymes, growth media, and to help prevent cross contamination.
Glutaraldehyde is also used as a preservative and disinfectant in the food industry. In food processing, glutaraldehyde is used to sanitizing and removing bacteria and fungi in food storage, preparation, and processing equipment. It is also used to treat food to prevent spoilage, microbial growth and to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Glutaraldehyde is also a “volatile organic compound” (VOC), meaning it has a high vapor pressure, which is capable of entering the atmosphere. The vapor pressure of glutaraldehyde increases with increasing temperature, and can contribute to poor indoor air quality and work-zone exposures.
Despite its many applications, glutaraldehyde is a toxic chemical that can have adverse effects on humans, animals, and the environment. Therefore, exposure to glutaraldehyde should be limited and medical surveillance should be monitored closely. Employers are required to have exposure monitoring, have medical surveillance programs, and implement engineering and administrative controls.
Glutaraldehyde can also be released into the environment through various pathways. The most common environmental pathway for this chemical is through waste products and improper disposal. To reduce environmental exposure, proper handling, storage and final disposition of this product must be strictly followed.
In conclusion, glutaraldehyde is a powerful and versatile chemical compound used in various industries. Despite its usefulness, its toxicity to humans, animals, and the environment must be taken into consideration when using it in any form. Therefore, great care should be taken when handling and disposing of this product and medical surveillance should ideally be monitored closely to ensure long-term health and safety.
