Glutaraldehyde

Disinfectant and preservative in medicines and cosmetics. Also commonly used in the leather processing industry, as well as in paints and photographic chemicals and in the medical technology sector.

Glutaraldehyde is an increasingly common trigger of contact allergic eczema (replacement of the formerly used formalin with glutaraldehyde). Aerogenic sensitization is also possible. Type I sensitisations play a role in bronchial asthma. For epicutaneous testing: 0.3 % test concentrations in Vaseline. The effect of an allergy to glutaraldehyde on the general labour market is assessed as low (Ammann PM et al. 2018).

1. Ammann PM et al (2018) Disinfectants. Allergo J 27:16-18
2. González Jara MA et al (2013) Exposure of health workers in primary health care to glutaraldehyde. J Occup Med Toxicol 8:31
3. Siegel PD et al (2014) Concentrations and stability of methyl methacrylates, glutaraldehydes, formaldehydes and nickel sulfate in commercial patch test allergen preparations. Contact Dermatitis 70:309-315
4. Vandenplas O et al (2013) Asthma related to cleaning agents: a clinical insight. BMJ Open 19;3: e003568
5. Warshaw EM et al (2015) North American contact dermatitis group patch test results: 2011-2012 Dermatitis 26:49-59