Knowing Glutaraldehyde
In the last blog, I wrote about formaldehyde and the toxic methods of old-school chemistry used to stabilize naturally gaseous formaldehyde in water. Let us continue the discussion of hazardous chemicals and look at another product that has been used in some new embalming chemicals being introduced into our profession.
Glutaraldehyde is miscible with water without having to add another toxic chemical like methanol to stabilize it. It is a disinfectant, a preservative, and a fixative that came into medical use in the 1960s as a cold sterilant. It has numerous uses including disinfecting surgical instruments. The “seasoned” embalmer may have used Cidex or Glutarate (Brand names) over the years to clean our instruments after using.
Glutaraldehyde is a simple, five-carbon molecule with aldehyde groups at each end. It does not contain formaldehyde, nor does it release formaldehyde, but it has been a component in some specific embalming chemicals. Its properties are like formaldehyde so it will cross-link the proteins in human cells, fixating them. It is also similar in toxicity. Exposure can cause nausea, headaches, and shortness of breath and there is not enough science and testing to say that it is not carcinogenic. Glutaraldehyde is reported to cause respiratory effects and acts as a contact allergen, giving rise to contact dermatitis.
Although OSHA does not have permissible exposure limits on glutaraldehyde however NIOSH established a Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) of 0.2 ppm in 1989. Other organizations such as the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) recommends a Threshold Limit Value (TLV) of .05ppm in air measured as a ceiling concentration. Suffice it to say that glutaraldehyde is a serious chemical and has been banned in some countries.
In the world of funeral service, we have, and in some instances continued to use, glutaraldehyde in the preparation room. There are far safer products for disinfection, however, some embalming chemical manufacturers have reintroduced glutaraldehyde/1,5-Pentanedial back into some new products because of the effectiveness it has on cross-linking the proteins of the body and its effectiveness on difficult cases involving decomposition or gassing.
The health and safety implications of this are worth considering. With such a low exposure level limits recommended and the fact that it causes serious health effects, it is user beware! There are products available that are far less toxic that work just as well or better, so it makes sense to use the less toxic options.
The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for the classification and labeling of chemicals has been phased in over the last few years. December 1, 2018 (in Canada) all manufacturers, importers, distributors, suppliers, and employers are required to follow the new regulations under WHMIS 2015. This was mandated to make everyone aware and up to date on chemical classification and labeling including potentially dangerous usages. This was introduced with the intent that all countries are unified with the GHS. One of the requirements of the system is the display of common pictograms. Pictograms are graphic images that immediately show the user, regardless of the language they speak, that the product is potentially hazardous and what type of hazards are possible. A common pictogram found many embalming chemicals is the skull and crossbones. This universal graphic for poison is one of the most distinct, fervent, and concerning of the toxic warnings. According to the HSC to qualify for this warning the product has “acute toxicity – fatal or toxic.”
Another serious warning is that a product is flammable. The pictogram for this is easily understood and indicates, according to HSC, that the product is flammable, pyrophoric, self-heating, could emit flammable gas, is self-reactive, or is an organic peroxide. Even with precautions, something stored in a cabinet that could “self-react” is worrying.
As embalmers, we must know the risks to our health and the safety of those around us. We must be mindful of the volatility potential for potentially irreparable consequences of using dangerous chemicals. Thankfully, this is no longer complicated. The safety regulations that manufacturers of potentially hazardous chemicals must comply are a good thing for all involved.
Read and inspect the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each product you use, including common everyday cleaners that you can purchase from a retail store. You should be able to access them easier than falling off a horse.
Try new products! There are now new forms of chemicals using advanced methods of chemistry that are just as effective (if not more effective) and are much safer to use, less toxic, non-flammable, and low fuming.
- WHAT IS INDEX AND HOW DOES IT WORK? - August 21, 2021
- Consider the Need NOT your Want - February 22, 2021
- Knowing Glutaraldehyde - January 27, 2021
Karl Wenzel
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Karl is a graduate of Fountain National Academy of Professional Embalming Skills. Karl is also a member the Board of Directors of the FNA Embalming Scholarship Fund is the Academy’s Canadian Ambassador. Karl is also the Canadian Ambassador for the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice. Karl received the Distinguished Professional Service award, and was an examiner for the Ontario Board of Funeral Services. He has held licenses in Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Alberta and Tennessee.