Evaluation of exposure of health care personnel to ribavirin.

Reports that ribavirin was teratogenic in animals raised concerns of female health care personnel about possible occupational exposure during the care of infants having respiratory syncytial virus infections. Under simulated operational conditions, experiments were conducted to measure ribavirin residues in room air, in surface wipe samples, and in personal sampling devices worn by volunteers. There was exposure to a dispersible dust, presumably dried ribavirin, deposited inside the croupette or hood and on the bedding. Based on personal sampler data, it was estimated that, in a 12-h shift, the primary health care individual could inhale 2.4-9.1 micrograms ribavirin/kg bw.d. Recommendations to reduce the exposure of staff included the wearing of appropriate surgical gloves and a NIOSH-approved disposable respirator for dusts and mists while attending to the needs of the patients.