Occupational Exposure to Glutaraldehyde Air Levels at Dental Clinics

Objective: Several studies have shown that a 2% glutaraldehyde solution has significant antiseptic activity, thus it is very frequently used as a cold sterilant at dental clinics. ACGIH „µ (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists) has set the upper limit value (TLV Ceiling -Threshold Limited Value Ceiling) for exposure to glutaraldehyde at 0.05 ppm. There has been an increasing tendency to use low concentrations of glutaraldehyde (below 1%) for disinfecting procedures without decreasing the antibacterial, fungicide and antiviral activity of the sterilant. Objective: To assess the effect of reduced concentration of the sterilant from 2% to 0.25% on the glutaraldehyde air levels compared to the upper permitted level for occupational exposure.Methods: Thirty-six personal and work place area air samples were collected from IAF (Israeli Air Force) dental clinics during a one-year study. In the first phase of the study, the 2% solution was used and eighteen air samples were collected. In the next phase, the 0.25% solution was introduced and eighteen samples were collected from the same clinics and locations. The paired results were compared to the upper permitted limit for exposure (TLV-Ceiling). Results:The use of 0.25% solution significantly reduced the glutaraldehyde mean air levels from 0.063 ppm to 0.016 ppm (p<0.007), and increased the number of samples below the upper permitted limit (p<0.0001).Conclusion: The use of 0.25% glutaraldehyde solution for disinfecting in dental clinics is potentially less hazardous for dental employees than using 2% solution. Because this lower concentration achieves the same antiseptic activity, we suggest that it should be preferred for disinfection in dental clinics.