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Assessment of and Intervention for the Misuse of Aldehyde Disinfectants in Japan

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

Shigeharu Oie
Affiliation:
Department of Pharmacy, Yamaguchi University Hospital, Ube, Japan
Akira Kamiya*
Affiliation:
Department of Pharmacy, Yamaguchi University Hospital, Ube, Japan
*
Department of Pharmacy, Yamaguchi University Hospital, 1-1-1 Minamikogushi, Ube 755-8505, Japan

Abstract

A survey of 145 Japanese hospitals revealed the use of 4 inappropriate aldehyde disinfection methods in 5.5% to 16.8%. Following education, there was discontinuation of 3 of these practices in 26 of 28 affected centers, but only 4 of 18 affected centers stopped the use of formaldehyde vapor cabinets. There is a need to inform hospitals about inappropriate disinfection methods that pose chemical risks to patients and staff.

Type
Concise Communications
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 2002

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