Description |
Disinfectants are chemicals used to inhibit or kill microorganisms. Disinfectants are also called antiseptics or biocides. Some of these agents are also used as preservatives for food, drugs, and other domestic and industrial products. Many of these chemicals are skin and respiratory sensitizers. The following can cause occupational asthma: glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde, sodium bisulfite, chloramine T, hexachlorophene, chlorohexidine, benzalkonium chloride, isononanoyl oxybenzene sulfonate, lauryl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, and isothiazolinones. A study of 175 workers exposed to chloramines, aldehydes, and quaternary ammonium disinfectants in the food industry showed increased acute irritation symptoms but not chronic respiratory symptoms. [PMID 16973735] |