ABSTRACT
This study was curried out to describe the occurrence of work-related symptoms, lung function changes among nurses exposed to glutaraldehyde [GA] and DNA damage in human leukocytes incubated with GA [in-vitro study]
Methods: a cross-sectional study was carried out on 65 nurses exposed to GA from operating theaters and endoscopy units in Liver institute and University Hospital of Menufiya, Egypt. Pre and post-ship spirometry to measure forced expiratory flow rate in first second [FEVI] and peak expiratory flow rate [PEER] were performed on 26 nurses who had multiple lower respiratory work related symptoms and comet assay was used for detection of DNA damage in human leukocytec incubated with GA at different concentrations
Results: work-related symptoms reported by nurses were nausea [26.2%], headache [58.5%], skin allergy [86.2%], eye irritation [72.3%], and watering of eyes [35.4%]. Upper respiratory symptoms included nose irritation [84.6%], running nose [18.5%], throat irritation [81.5%]. Lower respiratory symptoms included sneezing [23.1%], cough [30.8%], difficult breathing [30.8%], and chest tightness [23.1%]. Their knowledge and practice turned to be very deficient regarding personal protection. Statistically significant reductions in post-ship PEER and FEVI were revealed, with 8 nurses [30.8%] having reductions >15%. Negative statistically significant correlations were detected between practice scores and post-ship reductions in PEER and FEVI. Human leukocytes incubated with GA at concentrations of 0.05 and 0.1 mg/ml had 13% and 8% DNA damage [DNA migration], respectively, compared to control [4%], p<0.05. Higher concentrations led to less damage
Conclusion: GA is associated with many work-related symptoms and reduction in lung functions among exposed nurses, and might increase DNA damage in in-vitro study. Training of nurses about safe handling and storage of GA, proper use of protective measures, periodical health care and surveillance, with reduction of exposure time, use of automated washing units, and effective ventilation methods are recommended to reduce the hazards of exposure to GA. Further studies involving environment assessment are needed