Introduction
Healthcare workers who prepare, administer, or work in areas where hazardous drugs are used may be exposed to these agents. Examples of hazardous drugs include those used for cancer therapy, certain antiviral drugs, hormone treatments, and bioengineered medications.
Healthcare employees may also encounter hazardous chemicals such as pesticides and disinfectants.
In the United States, approximately 8 million healthcare workers are potentially exposed to hazardous drugs and chemicals. At-risk workers include:
- Pharmacy and nursing personnel
- Physicians
- Operating room staff
- Environmental services workers
- Research laboratory personnel
- Veterinary care workers
- Shipping and receiving staff
- Janitorial staff
Exposure to hazardous drugs can lead to adverse health effects. Research has shown that workplace exposure may result in a variety of health issues.
Acute health effects typically occur rapidly after short-term exposure, while chronic health effects develop over time with long-term exposure and often persist.
Examples of health effects from hazardous drug exposure include:
- Skin rashes
- Adverse reproductive outcomes, such as:
- Infertility
- Spontaneous abortion
- Congenital malformations
- Increased risk of leukemia and other cancers
The level of risk depends on the amount of exposure and the toxicity of the drugs involved.