Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026

In vitro Cell Culture Model for Toxic Inhaled Chemical Testing
Published on: May 8, 2014
Occupational asthma in a technologist exposed to glutaraldehyde
M Chan-Yeung1, T McMurren, F Catonio-Begley
1Department of Medicine, Vancouver General Hospital, British Columbia, Canada.
Glutaraldehyde, a sterilizing agent, can cause occupational asthma. A case study highlights how a workplace challenge test confirmed asthma in a respiratory technologist exposed to glutaraldehyde.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Occupational asthma is a significant concern in healthcare settings.
- Glutaraldehyde is a common sterilizing agent linked to respiratory and skin irritation.
Observation:
- A respiratory technologist developed symptoms consistent with occupational asthma.
- Serial spirometry and peak expiratory flow rate monitoring showed work-related changes.
Findings:
- A workplace challenge test confirmed occupational asthma due to glutaraldehyde exposure during bronchoscope cleaning.
- Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) significantly decreased upon glutaraldehyde exposure.
Implications:
- Workplace challenge tests are crucial for diagnosing occupational asthma.
- Effective ventilation and proper handling of sterilizing agents like glutaraldehyde are vital for prevention.
More Related Videos
06:47Effects of Exposure of Formaldehyde to a Rat Model of Atopic Dermatitis Induced by Neonatal Capsaicin Treatment
Published on: September 27, 2017
08:30Intraperitoneal Glucose Tolerance Test, Measurement of Lung Function, and Fixation of the Lung to Study the Impact of Obesity and Impaired Metabolism on Pulmonary Outcomes
Published on: March 15, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
Types of Toxins
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...
Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema