Occupational Exposure of Healthcare Workers During Drug Reconstitution and Handling Tasks
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated healthcare workers' occupational exposure to inhaled drugs during drug reconstitution and handling tasks, focusing on compliance with occupational exposure limits (OELs). METHODS: Ten nurses and pharmacy technicians were monitored during an 8-hour shift to measure inhalable particle concentrations using a portable sampling device. RESULTS: Inhalable particle concentrations ranged from <15 to 381 μg/m 3 (arithmetic mean 83 μg/m 3 ). Exposure to drugs in hazardous drug classes (HDCs) 1, 2, and 3 complied with OELs, while exposure to drugs in HDCs 4 and 5 exceeded OELs, highlighting the need for enhanced protective measures. CONCLUSIONS: No additional precautions are needed for drugs in HDCs 1, 2, and 3, but dust exhaust or biosafety cabinets are recommended for handling drugs in HDCs 4 and 5.
Institutions: Utrecht University, Leiden University Medical Center, Radboud University Medical Center, Medisch Centrum Haaglanden, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Stichting Haaglanden Medisch Centrum, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Radboud University Nijmegen, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Groningen, Royal Dutch Pharmacists Association, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Meander Medisch Centrum, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research, ORCID
Language: English
Subfield: Occupational Therapy
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4409533080