| A drug is a word that can be used in both positive | | | | industries. Safety measures and equipments should |
| and negative sense. These can be a boon to mankind | | | | be properly used to avoid these situations. Hazardous |
| as well as a threat. Exposures to hazardous drugs | | | | drugs contain antineoplastic and cytotoxic agents that |
| can cause disastrous effects on mankind. Various | | | | are highly toxic and proper care should be taken |
| reports have revealed the fact that not only patients | | | | while handling these drugs. During drug related |
| are affected by these perilous drugs but also the | | | | activities, there are many chances of accidental spills |
| professionals engaged in different drug related | | | | and leakage that can contaminate the surroundings |
| activities are highly affected. Exposures to hazardous | | | | and adversely affect the living organisms. Thus |
| drugs can cause in any of the process that includes | | | | workers should be more focused. |
| dug manufacture, administration, handling, transport, | | | | Many guidelines have been formulated by various |
| storage, disposal, waste management etc. These | | | | healthcare organizations. Strict adherence to these |
| harmful exposures can cause severe health defects. | | | | guidelines can minimize the risks of exposures and |
| The short term effects are skin and eye irritation, | | | | save the mankind from harmful clutch of hazardous |
| allergies and infections etc. The long term and | | | | drugs. These guidelines focuses on the use of closed |
| permanent effects are reproductive and respiratory | | | | system drug transfer devices, biological safety |
| disorders, congenital malformations, chromosomal | | | | cabinets and personal protective equipments like |
| aberrations, infertility, and loss of eyesight, leukemia | | | | gowns, masks, gloves, respirators etc. By using these |
| and even cancer. | | | | safety systems, the chances of accidental spills |
| According to National Safety Council (NSC), hospital | | | | reduce. Hence, safety devices and measures should |
| employees' takes 41% more leave due to illness and | | | | be properly used in all drug related sectors. |
| injuries as compared to employees of other | | | | |