Introduction
OSHA identifies worker exposure to hazardous drugs as a significant health concern for employees in healthcare and pharmaceutical settings. Pharmacy staff are considered part of the healthcare workforce.
Potential Exposure
Workers can be exposed to hazardous drugs while handling or working near these substances. For healthcare employees, key concerns include the preparation, administration, and disposal of hazardous medications. Pharmaceutical employees face exposure risks during drug preparation, manufacturing, testing, and disposal. These activities potentially put hundreds of thousands of workers across the nation at risk of significant chemical exposure.
Health Effects
Exposure to hazardous drugs can lead to both acute and chronic health problems, including:
- Skin rashes
- Fertility issues
- Genetic damage
- Birth defects
- Organ toxicity
- Increased risk of leukemia and other cancers
Hazardous drugs include, but are not limited to, antineoplastic (cytotoxic) medications, anesthetics, antiviral drugs, hormones, and other chemically active agents.