Introduction
Chemotherapy drugs, vital in cancer treatment, are not without risks for healthcare professionals, particularly nurses. Their handling poses occupational hazards due to the drugs’ potent and toxic nature. Understanding these risks and the protective measures provided by Closed System Drug-Transfer Devices (CSTDs), especially EQUASHIELD’s CSTD, is crucial for healthcare workers’ safety.
The Occupational Risks of Handling Chemotherapy Drugs
According to the CDC, healthcare workers, particularly nurses and pharmacists, face significant risks when handling chemotherapy drugs. The NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health) article, “Hazardous Drug Exposure in Healthcare,” states that these risks can lead to “acute and chronic health effects such as skin rashes and reproductive issues.”
This includes “infertility, spontaneous abortions, and congenital malformations” as well as an increased risk of “leukemia and other cancers.” Exposure over time is associated with birth defects and miscarriages. Read more >
