Exposure to Antineoplastic Drugs Outside the Hospital Environment (original) (raw)
Objectives: The objectives were (i) to identify occupational populations outside hospitals work-ing with antineoplastic drugs, (ii) to determine the size of the populations ‘at risk’, (iii) to identify major determinants and routes of exposure outside hospitals and (iv) to estimate exposure levels and frequencies relative to levels found in hospitals. Methods: The survey consisted of two phases; (i) identification of activities with potential exposure to antineoplastic drugs by literature review, interviews, questionnaires and workplace visits, (ii) exploratory measurements of exposure and surface contamination in selected sectors. Results: Eight sectors were identified with potential exposure to antineoplastic drugs: phar-maceutical industry, pharmacies, universities, veterinary medicine, nursing homes, home care, laundry facilities, and waste treatment. Four sectors were of primary concern: veterinary medicine, home care, nursing homes and industrial laundries. The populations pot...