Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates, Inc. (SGNA) Endoscopic Disinfectant Survey results compared with...

Disinfectant surveys from responding members of the American Society of Postanesthesia Nurses were divided into two groups based on whether or not they considered themselves to be exposed to disinfectants in their work environment. Their survey responses were then compared with those obtained previously from members of the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates, Inc., who were regularly exposed to 2% alkaline glutaraldehyde in the work setting. There were significant differences among the groups in the percentage of respondents who reported having headaches, eye irritations, respiratory problems, shortness of breath, rashes, memory loss, mood swings, and fatigue. These findings support the association of these complaints with 2% alkaline glutaraldehyde exposure. In contrast, there were no significant differences among the groups in the percentage of respondents who reported having asthma, rhinitis, chest pain, nausea, diarrhea, muscle/joint pain, visual disturbances, or dermatitis.