Occupational Exposure of Healthcare Workers during Drug Reconstitution and Handling Tasks: A multicenter assessment at Dutch Hospital Wards
Publication date
2025-07-01
Authors
Van Den Berg, Roland B.
Stubbs, Percival
Boumans-D'onofrio, Johanna R.C.
Swart, Christina
Steenstra, Femke B.
Oosterveld, Paulien
Ng, Shiwai
Klous, Marjolein
Breukels, Oscar
Kuijpers, Eelco
Editors
Advisors
Supervisors
Document Type
Article
Metadata
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License
cc_by
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/m3 (arithmetic mean 83 μg/m3). 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.
Keywords
drug reconstitution, inhaled drug particles, occupational exposure, occupational exposure limits, Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
Citation
Van Den Berg, R B, Stubbs, P, Boumans-D'onofrio, J R C, Swart, C W, Steenstra, F B, Oosterveld, P, Ng, S, Klous, M, Breukels, O, Kuijpers, E & Crul, M 2025, 'Occupational Exposure of Healthcare Workers during Drug Reconstitution and Handling Tasks : A multicenter assessment at Dutch Hospital Wards', Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, vol. 67, no. 7, 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003401, pp. 571-579. https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000003401