PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Shadi Baniasadi
AU  - Maryam Alehashem
TI  - Exposure to chemotherapy drugs and adverse health effects in oncology ward of a pulmonary teaching hospital
DP  - 2014 Sep 01
TA  - European Respiratory Journal
PG  - P1104
VI  - 44
IP  - Suppl 58
4099  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/44/Suppl_58/P1104.short
4100  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/44/Suppl_58/P1104.full
SO  - Eur Respir J2014 Sep 01; 44
AB  - Introduction: Occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs result in various adverse health effects. Very little is known about handling conditions of chemotherapy agents by healthcare workers in Iran.Aims: To monitor the adverse effects associated with occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs and identify the factors that increase the exposure.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted during six weeks in oncology ward of a pulmonary teaching hospital. Everyday a toxicologist visited the ward and collected data on three handling activities: preparation of chemotherapy agents, drug administration and patient contact, and cleaning and safety box replacement. In addition, adverse effects during work in oncology ward were asked.Results: During 77 preparation times, a total amount of 449.296 gram of chemotherapy drugs was prepared. 98.70% of preparations; 62.13% of administrations and patient contacts; 54.16% of hood cleanings, and 10% of safety box replacements were done by using personal protective equipment. Skin reactions (26.79%) were the most frequent adverse effects reported by health care workers. Central nervous system (24.40%), respiratory (23.40%), vision (18.48%), gastrointestinal (6.9%) reactions also reported during the study period. Handling time of antineoplastic drugs was associated with the time of symptom appearance. Laboratory tests and spirometery results were normal.Conclusions: Due to inadequate protective equipment, hospital workers were exposed to antineoplastic drugs and showed acute adverse effects. Establishment of safety regulations and training of health care workers in order to prevention of exposure to chemotherapy drugs are needed.