title: Occupational Exposure to Antineoplastic Agents.
abstract: Approximately 8 million health care workers are unnecessarily exposed to highly toxic drugs used to treat cancer; antineoplastic drugs can contribute to negative health effects for these workers. The drugs have been detected in the urine of workers and on the floors and counters of worksites. Safety precautions that could reduce the risk of exposure are underutilized. This cross-sectional study of 163 oncology health care workers used a survey to measure workplace and individual factors, and environmental sampling to measure surface contamination. The study objective was to identify potential exposures to antineoplastic drugs and factors influencing safety behavior. Personal protective equipment (PPE) use was lower than recommended; unit of employment was significantly associated with PPE use. Chemical residue from antineoplastic drugs was found, revealing potential exposures. Workplace safety must be a higher organizational priority. The contamination of common work areas where PPE use is not expected was of utmost concern.
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Minnesota.
authors.forename: Catherine Utecht
authors.initials: CU
authors.lastname: Graeve
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Minnesota.
authors.forename: Patricia Marie
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: McGovern
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Minnesota.
authors.forename: Bruce
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Alexander
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Minnesota.
authors.forename: Timothy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Church
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Minnesota.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ryan
authors.affiliation: 2 Georgia State University.
authors.forename: Martha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Polovich
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000633:toxicity*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009314:National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, U.S.; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000067393:Personal Protective Equipment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011481:Protective Clothing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D057566:Self Report; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D017132:Workplace / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents
keywords: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH); disease prevention; government regulation; hazard analysis; medical surveillance/risk; occupational hazards; occupational health and safety programs; occupational safety and health administration (OSHA)