Control of workplace exposure to peracetic acid
Peracetic acid (PAA) is a highly effective disinfectant with rapid and broad spectrum action that is being increasingly used in hospitals and for the disinfection of medical supplies. It is rapidly replacing Glutaraldehyde as a major disinfectant in the medical sector as it provides high level disinfection or sterilisation and complies with WHO regulations for SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome). Although peracetic acid is a highly effective disinfectant, it is a toxic irritant that is corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of may cause cough, breathing difficulties and breathlessness, sore throat and lung oedema and these symptoms may be delayed.
The IOM offers a PAA sampling and analysis service that can help in the effective control of workplace exposure. In conjunction with SKC we have developed sampling media and an analytical method to allow us to undertake workplace exposure assessments for this agent. The sampling takes place using a pre treated sorbent tube which allows personal or static samples to be taken over any particular period of time. Analysis is then carried out using our HPLC system.
The IOM can also provide sampling and analysis services for a range of other hazardous substances encountered in hospital environments including gluteraldehyde and anaesthetic gases. We are also able to develop methods for, and undertake sampling and analysis for, a wide range of drugs in workplace air.