Johnson & Johnson Cidex Warning to Health Care Professionals chemical hazard Brunswick New Jersey
Cidex made by Johnson and Johnson is the brand name for glutaraldehyde. This is a liquid agent used for the sterilization of equipment in hospitals.in the 1970's it came as a liquid and power that had to be mixed together into a bucket with a lid. Its normal activation period lasted 28 days then the solution had to be replaced.instructions were vague then and are not adequate today regarding it's toxicity dangers to health care professionals.
The United Kingdom has banned its use because of safety reasons. I was in contact with this material along with ethylene oxide, phenols and quaternary ammonium compounds from the 1970's through the 1990's.
Examination latex type gloves are not as protective as vinyl gloves. Rubber gloves are the recommended gloves to use when handling although they provide only partial protection. Moisture in the air, such as steam from a sink increases the risk of inhalation of Cidex by persons within the vicinity of its fumes.
Wearing respirators and protective clothing should be mandatory when handling Cidex and glutaraldehyde, according to the National Institute of Health. The manufacturer and government have done little to inform health care workers of the risks associated with this substance. Lung damage, cancer, skin problems, oral and nasal lesions have all been associated with glutaraldehyde exposure.
Passive exposure monitoring badges are recommended now by OSHA to determine environmental levels. I tried to contact W.A.S.T.E. And received no response. I have been in poor health and believe it is due in part to contact with these materials.
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