It’s been known that over 8 million healthcare professionals are being exposed to hazardous drugs in the United States. And therefore, the risk of serious outcomes arises. Hospital staff dealing with antineoplastic materials are showing a 2.5 fold increase in total chromosomal aberrations. This includes a higher risk of leukemia for oncology nurses. In another report, there was liver damage discovered in nursing staff dealing with chemotherapy. Not to mention the risk over ovulation, pregnancy, miscarriage and reproductive organs among staff dealing with antineoplastic drugs.
Exposure can occur at any point dealing with the hazardous materials, starting from receiving the items from the vendors to the pharmacy stores all the way to the patient administration / infusion time. Any personnel dealing with hazardous drugs, through transportation, clean room preparation, patient dosage administration or even waste disposal may be at risk.
REFERENCES
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