Uptake of antineoplastic agents in pharmacy and hospital personnel. Part I: monitoring of urinary concentrations.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Pethran
Angelika
A
Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Ziemssenstrasse 1, 80336 Munich, Germany.
Schierl
Rudolf
R
Hauff
Karlheinz
K
Grimm
Carl-Heinz
CH
Boos
Karl-Siegfried
KS
Nowak
Dennis
D
D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000652:urine*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D010564:Personnel, Hospital; D010595:Pharmacists; D014691:Ventilation
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents