Primary Sources of Glutaraldehyde Exposure
Glutaraldehyde-based agents are used to disinfect medical equipment that cannot be subjected to steam sterilization, specifically heat-sensitive, lenses devices typically requiring high-level disinfection between patient uses (ANSI/AAMI, 1996).
Glutaraldehyde-based products may be used in a variety of locations within a facility, such as surgery, endoscopy, and respiratory therapy. Trade names of glutaraldehyde-based products include, but are not limited to, Cidex®, Sonacide®, Sporicidin®, Hospex®, and Omnicide® (NIOSH, 2001).
The primary sources of glutaraldehyde exposure during x-ray
processing are as follows:

•  mixing glutaraldehyde solutions;
•  adding solutions to tanks and processors;
•  processing x-rays;
•  removing incompletely dried processed x-rays;
•  cleaning rollers and tanks on x-ray machines;
•  emptying tanks and processors;
•  fugitive emissions from open tanks and leakyhoses and equipment; and

• The manufacture and transportation of nitrous oxide
• Use as an anesthetic gas
• Use as a propellant (foaming agent) in whipped creams
• Use as a leak detecting agent on natural gas pipelines
• Use as an oxidant for the production of organic compounds
• Use in rocket fuel formulations
• Use in the manufacture of nitrates from alkali metals