Hazardous Drug Exposure
Exposure occurs during manufacturing and packaging, receiving, preparation and administration, and cleaning and disposal activities. Clinical and non-clinical workers with potential exposure include:
- pharmacists and pharmacy technicians
Potential dangers exist for those who handle hazardous drugs.
- nurses
- physician assistants
- physicians
- nursing home, home health care, and assistive care staff
- housekeeping and environmental services staff (custodial, laundry, and waste handling workers)
- shipping and receiving personnel
- veterinarians and veterinary technicians and assistants
Exposure Routes
Exposures to hazardous drugs may occur through inhalation, absorption, ingestion, or injection. The most common route of entry for chemical substances is through inhalation (i.e., breathing). Absorption through the skin, unintentional ingestion from hand-to-mouth contact, and unintentional injection by needlesticks or sharps are also possible.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-3. What is the most common route of exposure to hazardous drugs?
- Inhalation
- Ingestion
- Absorption
- Injection
You forgot to answer the question!