D Ahmed-Lecheheb1, L Cunat, P Hartemann, A Hautemanière. 1. Department of Environment and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nancy University, Nancy, France. djihane.lecheheb-ahmed@medecine.uhp-nancy.fr
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. 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. 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. 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.
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. 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. 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. 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.
Authors: J Ditai; M Mudoola; M Gladstone; J Abeso; J Dusabe-Richards; M Adengo; P Olupot-Olupot; E D Carrol; J Storr; A Medina-Lara; B Faragher; A D Weeks Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2018-11-20 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: B L Harrison; C Ogara; M Gladstone; E D Carrol; J Dusabe-Richards; A Medina-Lara; J Ditai; A D Weeks Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2019-01-03 Impact factor: 3.295