Science Journal of Public Health 2016; 4(6): 451-457 http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/j/sjph doi: 10.11648/j.sjph.20160406.16 ISSN: 2328-7942 (Print); ISSN: 2328-7950 (Online) Respiratory Health Problems Among Endoscopy Nurses Exposed to Glutaraldehyde in Zagazig University Hospitals, Egypt Sarah Abdelhalim Bolbol * , Enjy Ahmad Khorshed, Naema El-Lithy Soliman, Mohammed Magdy Nassef Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt Email address: sar_bo@yahoo.com (S. A. Bolbol) * Corresponding author To cite this article: Sarah Abdelhalim Bolbol, Enjy Ahmad Khorshed, Naema El-Lithy Soliman, Mohammed Magdy Nassef. Respiratory Health Problems Among Endoscopy Nurses Exposed to Glutaraldehyde in Zagazig University Hospitals, Egypt. Science Journal of Public Health. Vol. 4, No. 6, 2016, pp. 451-457. doi: 10.11648/j.sjph.20160406.16 Received: September 18, 2016; Accepted: September 27, 2016; Published: October 18, 2016 Abstract: Introduction: Glutaraldehyde is still used for sterilization of endoscopes in Egypt and known to be associated with many respiratory problems, so this study aims to establish control program guidelines to promote the respiratory health of endoscopy nurses in Zagazig University Hospitals with the objectives to assess the frequency of respiratory health problems among endoscopy nurses and to identify associated occupational and personal risk factors. Methods: A comparative cross- sectional study carried on 42 endoscopy nurses exposed to glutaraldehyde compared to non-exposed 84 nurses working at outpatient clinics. All nurses were subjected to a questionnaire (socio-demographic and occupational characteristics, chronic respiratory problems), checklist for assessment of glutaraldehyde related work practice and pulmonary function tests. Results: Chronic cough was found in 52.0% of endoscopy nurses while asthma was only in 19.0% of nurse. Chronic respiratory problems increased in endoscopy nurses with increased work duration, poor work practices especially handling procedures and lack of training. All ventilatory lung function parameters of endoscopy nurses showed statistically significant decline with both increased work duration ≥ 15 years and increased working hours ≥ 36 hours per week. Majority of endoscopy nurses 30.0% had mild airflow obstruction. Conclusions: Highlighting the respiratory health problems and airway obstruction resulting from exposure to glutaraldehyde will raise the importance to use safer alternatives. Results will lead to implementing of training programs for proper cleaning and sterilization processes, also raising awareness and providing information about proper work practices of handling hazardous substances. Keywords: Airway Obstruction, Endoscopy, Glutaraldehyde, Nurses, Occupational Exposure 1. Introduction Nurses are exposed to different occupational risks in working environment including chemicals such as ethylene oxide (EtO) and glutaraldehyde (GA) which are commonly used for sterilization in various medical settings. Nurses and other health care workers are in danger of exposure while cleaning equipment and work surfaces. Although both of these chemicals are widely used for its effectiveness, they are associated with serious human health problems [1]. Glutaraldehyde is an aliphatic dialdehyde colorless liquid with a pungent odor. It is used in a wide range in medical field mainly for disinfection of medical instruments including endoscopes [2]. To prevent the spread of health-care– associated infections, all heat-sensitive endoscopes must be properly cleaned and subjected to high-level disinfection (HLD) after each use. For the past 40 years, GA (in 2–4% solution with water) has been the primary chemical used for HLD [3]. Occupational GA exposure mainly occurs through direct vapor inhalation and direct skin contact. Degree of occupational exposure to GA among nurses dealing with endoscopes depends on the frequency of sterilization, GA concentration, the endoscope rinsing method, room