Environmental exposure of health care workers to category D and X medications

Reproductive health risks associated with occupational exposures to antineoplastic drugs in health care settings: a review of the evidence

OBJECTIVES

Antineoplastic drugs are known reproductive and developmental toxicants. Our objective was to review the existing literature of reproductive health risks to workers who handle antineoplastic drugs.

METHODS

A structured literature review of 18 peer-reviewed, English language publications of occupational exposure and reproductive outcomes was performed.

RESULTS

Although effect sizes varied with study size and population, occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs seems to raise the risk of both congenital malformations and miscarriage. Studies of infertility and time to pregnancy also suggested an increased risk for subfertility.

CONCLUSIONS

Antineoplastic drugs are highly toxic in patients receiving treatment, and adverse reproductive effects have been well documented in these patients. Health care workers with long-term, low-level occupational exposure to these drugs also seem to have an increased risk of adverse reproductive outcomes. Additional precautions to prevent exposure should be considered.

Occupational hazards for pregnant nurses

OVERVIEW

Depending on her working environment, specific immunities, and stage of pregnancy, a pregnant nurse may find it difficult to avoid teratogenic and fetotoxic exposures, as well as working conditions that could jeopardize her pregnancy. A clinical review of the occupational hazards faced by pregnant nurses can be useful to the concerned nurse or health care system, as can suggestions on ways to reduce risk and a list of pertinent occupational safety resources.

Contaminación externa de viales de metotrexato detectada en un hospital argentino

OBJECTIVE

To quantify external contamination of methotrexate vials and alert about occupational health hazards.

METHOD

All 50 mg and 500 mg methotrexate vials were opened and cleaned with an alcohol wet white wipe in February 2005. The vials were divided in two groups according to visual external contamination or not. The air tightness of the vials was stated.

RESULTS

9.33% methotrexate vials were contaminated under visual inspection. Two of five manufacturers presented contaminated vials. The proportion of contaminated vials in the two former manufacturers was 18.8 and 21.43%.

CONCLUSIONS

External contamination would be due to manufacture processes. Cutaneous absorption is very important because of the contamination founded. It s strongly recommended that all personal involved in cytotoxic handling take protection measures.