Quality of the Air and Health Assessment of the Medical Staff Handling Disinfection Chemicals in Lithuanian Hospitals

Abstract

The use of chemical disinfectants where ventilation is insufficient can produce morbidity and allergic responses. Although disinfection is the universal tool for prevention of infections, the chemicals used can irritate the eyes and skin and may have neurotoxic and sensitising effects. The objective in the present study was to evaluate such chemical hazards, the use of personal protective equipment and the health status of those who handle disinfection chemicals in Lithuanian hospitals. Nine hospitals in Vilnius were studied in 2000-2001. Some 334 hospital employees from surgery, anaesthesiology, intensive care unit, resuscitation, nursing and endoscopy departments in contact with disinfecting chemicals were interviewed by questionnaire. Levels of several chemicals were monitored: glutaraldehyde, chlorine compounds and hydrogen peroxide were determined by a photometric method; isopropyl and ethyl alcohols were determined by gas chromatography. It was found that maximum levels of glutaraldehyde exceeded standards by 1.3 times, hydrogen peroxide by 8 times and isopropyl alcohol by 11 times. When working with the chemicals rubber latex gloves were used by 84.1% of personnel and protective face masks by 45.9%. Other personal protective equipment (goggles and respirators) were rarely used. Adverse reactíons included skin reddening and itching (57.6%; p<0.05), allergic conjunctivitis (39.5%), allergic rhinitis (36.0%), as well as frank diseases like chronic bronchitis (9.9%), allergic contact dermatitis (8.3%), allergic rhinitis (7.0%) and allergic conjunctivitis (6.4%). The study concluded that improvements were necessary in all aspects of work with chemical disinfectants containing these active components.