Occupational Exposures to Hazardous Drugs and their sources

There are numerous methods by which the healthcare employees and other workers related to the hazardous drugs can be exposed to these hazardous drugs

. The major routes of exposure among them are the inhalation of aerosolized drug, injection, dermal contact, ingestion etc. They may be exposed by inhalation via droplets, particulates and vapors when they create aerosols, crush tablets, and clean up the spills. Direct dermal contact may occur when the staffs touch the contaminated surfaces during the manufacture, administration, transport, storage and disposal of these drugs. This in turn can lead to the oral exposure from hand-to-mouth contact. Exposure to these hazardous drugs through injection is bit rare but has been addressed in recent surveys.

The drug residues that are present on the outside of drug vials can also lead to dermal contamination and thus badly disinfects the environment of the workplaces even before the actual drug reconstitution begins. Numerous studies have shown the disinfection of the surfaces of biological safety cabinets, countertops, floors, safety equipments, and most surfaces where patients are treated.

Hazardous drugs also cause some of the air borne diseases as good concentrations of several perilous drugs in healthcare units' air samples have been found. Drug particulates can also become airborne when the disinfected areas dry up. Ingestion may be an additional cause of exposure. When food stuffs are prepared, stored, or consumed in the work areas, they may easily get contaminated with the airborne particles of these drugs. Through direct skin contact also, these drugs can enter inside the body and can badly affect the host.

There are various potential sources of occupational exposures to hazardous drugs. These dugs can contaminate the surroundings and can induce several health hazards to the living beings present there. Hence, it should be controlled to save the mankind from its disastrous clutches.

Occupational Exposures to Hazardous Drugs and their sources

By: Anjali Goswami

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