1. Glutaraldehyde Jason Mason

2. Health Risks Potential Acute Health Effects: Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of eye contact (irritant), of ingestion, of inhalation (lung irritant, lung sensitizer). Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (sensitizer, permeator). Liquid or spray mist may produce tissue damage particularly on mucous membranes of eyes, mouth and respiratory tract. Skin contact may produce burns. Inhalation of the spray mist may produce severe irritation of respiratory tract, characterized by coughing, choking, or shortness of breath. Severe over-exposure can result in death. Potential Chronic Health Effects: CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS: Classified A4 (Not classifiable for human or animal.) by ACGIH [Glutaraldehyde]. MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: Mutagenic for mammalian somatic cells. [Glutaraldehyde]. Mutagenic for bacteria and/or yeast. [Glutaraldehyde]. TERATOGENIC EFFECTS: Not available. DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY: Classified Reproductive system/toxin/female, Reproductive system/toxin/male [SUSPECTED] [Glutaraldehyde]. The substance may be toxic to blood, the reproductive system, liver, mucous membranes, spleen, central nervous system (CNS), Urinary System. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage. Repeated or prolonged contact with spray mist may produce chronic eye irritation and severe skin irritation. Repeated or prolonged exposure to spray mist may produce respiratory tract irritation leading to frequent attacks of bronchial infection. Repeated exposure to a highly toxic material may produce general deterioration of health by an accumulation in one or many human organs.

3. Background In the late 1950's a successful method of industrialization was patented that utilized a Diels-Alder type reaction of acrolein and vinylethyl ether forming 2-ethoxy-3, 4-dihydro-2H-pyran which readily hydrolyzes to glutaraldehyde with a by product of ethano. Interest peaked in the 1960's after several investigations discovered glutaraldehyde's outstanding disinfection and sterilization capabilities; capabilities that exceeded even formaldehyde (industry standard at the time). During this boom in interest, glutaraldehyde performed duties as active ingredient in products such as: high-level disinfectants, cold-chemical sterilants, and potent sporicides. Even today glutaraldehyde is essentially considered the gold- standard for chemical forms of sterilization. "All disinfectants and new alternative disinfectant chemicals efficacy are based upon comparison to glutaraldehyde efficacy." - James H. Bedino

4. Production and Structure Glutaraldehyde is produced industrially by the oxidation of cyclopentene and by the Diels-Alder reaction of acrolein and methyl vinyl ether followed by hydrolysis. Like other dialdehydes (e.g., glyoxal), it does not exist as the dialdehyde but as the hydrate. These hydrates adopt several structures. Monomeric glutaraldehyde can polymerize by aldol condensation reaction yielding alpha, beta-unsaturated poly-glutaraldehyde. This reaction usually occurs at alkaline pH values.

5. Also used for... Sterilant in the health care industry Tanning agent (most interesting, previously unknown fact about glutaraldehyde for me) A biocide for metalworking fluids A biocide for oil and gas pipelines An antimicrobial in water-treatment systems A preservative in cosmetics A disinfectant in animal housing A slimicide (paper manufacturing) In the development of X-rays (hardening agent) A tissue fixative in pathology and histology labs In the preparation of grafts and bioprostheses In various clinical applications

6. Glutaraldehyde & Formaldehyde There is constant debate as to the advantages/disadvantages of embalming uses of formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde. Formaldehyde excels in such embalming scenarios as edema and produces rabid results that embalmers as a whole generally considers valuable. Glutaraldehyde excells at sanitation, has a mildness in reaction, provides a favorable cosmetic effect; all with prolonged, delayed action making it an excellent cavity fluid (where contact times are long and resistant fixation is essential). Options for using both chemicals to their full advantage (recommended): (during a routine embalming) use a pre-injection of glutaraldehyde followed by a primary injection of formaldehyde (to induce the desired results of firmness, rigidity, skin tightness). Given the low volume of formaldehyde necessary to produce desired results (typically 4-6 ounces in the last part of the injection of a moderate concentration [index 20] fluid), it is also favorably effective to use injections consisting of both glutaraldehyde and a low quantity of formaldehyde (especially useful when avoiding pre-injection). Summarily, both formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde have their uses in the embalming room. Using both in a manner that facilitates their advantages to be taken advantage of would be optimal. "The overall goal of chemical selection mix in the modern embalming room should be a juxtaposition of lowered total overall exposure risk balanced against sufficient and effective embalming results." - James H. Bedino

7. Works Cited Pg 2 "MSDS Glutaraldehyde Water 50%/50%." Science Lab.com 21 May 2013. Web document. Data accessed 02 July 2013. http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9924161 Pg 3 "Glutaraldehyde." Chemical Labels 2013. Web image. Data accessed 02 July 2013. http://www.chemicallabels.com/img/lg/L/Glutaraldehyde-NFPA-Chemical-Label-LB- 1592-063.gif Pg 4/7 Bedino, James H. "Embalming Chemistry: Glutaraldehyde versus Formaldehyde." Champion Expanding Encyclopedia of Mortuary Practices No. 649, 2003. 2003. Web document. Data accessed 02 July 2013. https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.champion-newera.com %2FCHAMP.PDFS%2Fencyclo649.pdf Pg 5 "Glutaraldehyde." Wikipedia 8 April 2013. Web. Web image. Data accessed 02 July 2013. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glutaraldehyde Pg 6 "Glutaraldehyde." Workplace Safety & Health Topics. CDC 24 Feb 2012. Web. Data accessed 02 July 2013. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/glutaraldehyde/ Pg 8 "Quantofix Glutaraldehyde" Macherey-Nagel 2013. Web image. Data accessed 02 July 2013. http://www.mn-net.com/tabid/11208/default.aspx