Glutaraldehyde
- Biocides
- CAS 111-30-8
- IUPAC: Pentanedial
Glutaraldehyde (CAS 111-30-8) appears in 1 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is classified as a respiratory sensitizer (asthmagen).
Glutaraldehyde is a confirmed asthmagen (respiratory sensitizer — GHS H334 at occupational concentrations) and skin sensitizer (H317) at typical use concentrations in occupational settings. At sub-0.1% concentrations in consumer products, the mixture-level GHS classification is typically Not Classified, but the ingredient retains its asthmagen identity. Sensitization, once established, can be triggered by very low subsequent exposures.
Glutaraldehyde is a dialdehyde biocide used at trace concentrations (typically 0.01–0.1%) as a broad-spectrum preservative in personal care products, leather care formulations, and industrial cleaners. It prevents microbial growth — bacteria, fungi, and yeasts — through crosslinking of cellular proteins.
At occupational concentrations (>0.05–0.1 ppm airborne), glutaraldehyde is a confirmed respiratory sensitizer and skin sensitizer. Once sensitized, workers may experience asthma-like reactions at extremely low re-exposure levels. This is the basis for its asthmagen classification. In consumer products where glutaraldehyde appears as a preservative at concentrations below 0.1%, the mixture-level GHS hazard classification is typically Not Classified because the contribution to the mixture's toxicity is below the 0.1% classification cut-off for sensitizers.
Despite being readily biodegradable in aerobic environments, glutaraldehyde is highly acutely toxic to aquatic organisms across multiple trophic levels, making it a concern when consumer products containing it reach wastewater systems.
Health & environment profile
- VOC
- no
- Prop 65 listed
- no
- Asthmagen
- yes
- EPA Safer Choice
- no
- Aquatic toxicity
- yes
- Biodegradable
- yes
- Bioaccumulative
- no
- Persistent
- no
- Ozone depleting
- no
- Microplastic
- no
- PFAS
- no
- Env. score
- 2/5
Common questions about Glutaraldehyde
- What is Glutaraldehyde used for in car care?
- Biocide and preservative in personal care, leather care, and industrial formulations; prevents microbial growth at low concentrations
- Is Glutaraldehyde a VOC?
- No. Glutaraldehyde is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
- Is Glutaraldehyde on California's Proposition 65 list?
- No. Glutaraldehyde is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
- Is Glutaraldehyde a respiratory sensitizer?
- Yes. Glutaraldehyde is classified as a respiratory sensitizer (asthmagen).
- Is Glutaraldehyde biodegradable?
- Yes. Glutaraldehyde has a confirmed biodegradable profile.
1 product contain this
Related
Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.