subject: Exposures to Hazardous drugs and the preventions to be taken in the Workplaces [print this page] Over past few years, there has been a significant development in the field of medical science. These medicines are very effective in curing common as well as deadly diseases but the main problem is that these medicines are made from hazardous drugs that are highly lethal. Exposures to hazardous drugs during any drug related activities like drug manufacture, handling, administration, monitoring, transport, distributions, disposal, storage and waste treatment can badly affect the professionals.
The toxic elements present in these medicines can cause various health complications such as skin and eye allergies, reproductive and respiratory disorders, cell-mutation, infertility, chromosomal aberrations, loss of eyesight, and deterioration of fetal development, leukemia and even cancer. Exposures to these drugs can be very fatal. Any type of exposure to the toxic powders, vapors and aerosols contained in these medicines can result in the above-mentioned health disorders.
If the working surfaces such as roofs, counter tops, tables and chairs and the instruments like syringe plungers, biological safety cabinets etc are contaminated with the hazardous drugs, then it can directly affect the healthcare workers. The toxicants can easily enter their body and can induce several health hazards into them. The risks of exposures to these perilous drugs can be avoided with the use of personal protective equipments like special gowns, gloves, masks, caps, safety cabinets that can stop the harmful vapors, liquids and dust particles from entering into the human body.
Several guidelines have been formulated by different healthcare organizations to reduce the risks of exposures. Strict adherence to these guidelines can minimize the harmful effects of the perilous drugs.
Exposures to Hazardous drugs and the preventions to be taken in the Workplaces
