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Dermal and pulmonary absorption of ethanol from alcohol-based hand rub.
- Source :
-
The Journal of hospital infection [J Hosp Infect] 2012 May; Vol. 81 (1), pp. 31-5. Date of Electronic Publication: 2012 Mar 22. - Publication Year :
- 2012
-
Abstract
- Background: Ethanol intoxication of healthcare workers (HCWs) using alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHRs) in the workplace is a potentially serious issue. This study quantified the level of ethanol absorption among HCWs after hygienic hand disinfection.<br />Methods: Eighty-six HCWs from Nancy University Hospital were tested before and after a 4-h shift. Participants used ABHR containing 70% ethanol. Levels of ethanol, acetaldehyde and acetate in blood and urine were determined using gas chromatography. A breathalyzer was used to measure the level of ethanol in expired air.<br />Results: Ethanol [mean concentration 0.076 (standard deviation 0.05) mg/L] was detected in the expired air of 28 HCWs 1-2 min post exposure. Ethanol, acetaldehyde and acetate were undetectable in blood after a 4-h shift, and urine tests were negative in all participants.<br />Conclusion: Ethanol exposure from ABHR, particularly inhalation of vapours, resulted in positive breathalyzer readings 1-2 min after exposure. Dermal absorption of ethanol was not detected. Pulmonary absorption was detected but was below toxic levels.<br /> (Copyright © 2012 The Healthcare Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
- Subjects :
- Acetaldehyde blood
Acetaldehyde urine
Acetic Acid blood
Acetic Acid urine
Adolescent
Adsorption
Adult
Blood Chemical Analysis
Breath Tests
Chromatography, Gas
Disinfectants blood
Disinfectants urine
Ethanol blood
Ethanol urine
Female
Humans
Inhalation
Male
Middle Aged
Urine chemistry
Young Adult
Disinfectants administration & dosage
Disinfectants adverse effects
Ethanol administration & dosage
Ethanol adverse effects
Hand Disinfection methods
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1532-2939
- Volume :
- 81
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- The Journal of hospital infection
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 22445089
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2012.02.006