June 16, 2004—Healthcare employers and employees should be aware that antineoplastic drugs and other pharmaceutical agents may pose work-related health risks to employees, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) cautions in a new NIOSH Alert.
The Alert makes recommendations for reducing occupational risks in healthcare settings by controlling job-related exposures. It also includes five case reports illustrating the range of occupational health effects; numerous technical references and resources; and a sample listing of some drugs which meet a definition of hazardous drug. NIOSH plans to update the list annually.
More than 5.5 million healthcare employees may be occupationally exposed to hazardous drugs in the US, including pharmacy and nursing personnel, physicians, operating room personnel, environmental services employees, veterinary care staff, and shipping and receiving personnel, says NIOSH. Exposures may occur from the presence of an agent in or on the air, work surfaces, clothing, equipment, patient excreta, or other surfaces in areas where the drugs are used.
A pre-publication copy of “NIOSH Alert: Preventing Occupational Exposures to Antineoplastic and Other Hazardous Drugs in Healthcare Settings,” is posted on the NIOSH site. Printed copies will be available after final editing and formatting. When available, printed copies can be requested from 800/35-NIOSH, or from the NIOSH Publications Office.
