OBJECTIVES: There is a risk of adverse health effects for personnel with occupational exposure to antineoplastic agents. The aim of the present longitudinal study was to identify, quantify, and evaluate potential health hazards of occupationally exposed workers in pharmaceutical and oncological departments with central processing units for drug preparation. METHODS: One hundred operatives in 14 German hospital pharmacies and oncological departments underwent biological monitoring by providing urine samples up to four times over a period of 3 years. RESULTS: All antineoplastic agents that were considered (cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, doxorubicin, epirubicin and platinum from cisplatin and carboplatin), were found in urine samples in up to 40% of participants. CONCLUSIONS: Despite standard safety precautions, such as the use of vertical laminar air flow safety cabinets, and personal protective clothing, incorporation of drugs was detected. Therefore, an environmental monitoring strategy should be developed in order to detect contamination and attempt to improve hygiene during work.
OBJECTIVES: There is a risk of adverse health effects for personnel with occupational exposure to antineoplastic agents. The aim of the present longitudinal study was to identify, quantify, and evaluate potential health hazards of occupationally exposed workers in pharmaceutical and oncological departments with central processing units for drug preparation. METHODS: One hundred operatives in 14 German hospital pharmacies and oncological departments underwent biological monitoring by providing urine samples up to four times over a period of 3 years. RESULTS: All antineoplastic agents that were considered (cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, doxorubicin, epirubicin and platinum from cisplatin and carboplatin), were found in urine samples in up to 40% of participants. CONCLUSIONS: Despite standard safety precautions, such as the use of vertical laminar air flow safety cabinets, and personal protective clothing, incorporation of drugs was detected. Therefore, an environmental monitoring strategy should be developed in order to detect contamination and attempt to improve hygiene during work.
Authors: Jack R Pretty; Thomas H Connor; Ivan Spasojevic; Kristine S Kurtz; Jeffrey L McLaurin; Clayton B'Hymer; D Gayle Debord Journal: J Oncol Pharm Pract Date: 2010-12-23 Impact factor: 1.809
Authors: Chun-Yip Hon; Kay Teschke; Hui Shen; Paul A Demers; Scott Venners Journal: Int Arch Occup Environ Health Date: 2015-01-28 Impact factor: 3.015
Authors: Maria Hedmer; Peter Höglund; Eva Cavallin-Ståhl; Maria Albin; Bo A G Jönsson Journal: Int Arch Occup Environ Health Date: 2007-06-20 Impact factor: 3.015