Occupational exposure to antineoplastic agents at several departments in a hospital

Abstract

The occupational exposure to cyclophosphamide (CP), ifosfamide (IF), 5-fluorouracil (5FU), and methotrexate (MTX) of 25 pharmacy technicians and nurses from four departments of a hospital was investigated. Previously developed methods for the detection of exposure to some antineoplastic agents were validated. Exposure to CP, IF, 5FU, and MTX was measured by the analysis of these compounds in the environment (air samples and wipe samples from possible contaminated surfaces and objects). Contamination of the work environment was found not only on the working trays of the hoods and on the floors of the different rooms but also on other objects like tables, the sink unit, cleaned urinals and chamber pots, and drug vials and ampules used for preparation and packing of drugs. The gloves used during preparation of the drugs and during cleaning of the hoods were always contaminated. The uptake of CP or IF was determined by the analysis of both compounds in urine. CP or IF was detected in the urine of eight pharmacy technicians and nurses. The amounts ranged from < 0.01 to 0.5 μg (median: 0.1 μg). CP and IF were found not only in the urine of pharmacy technicians and nurses actively handling these compounds (n = 2) but also in the urine of pharmacy technicians and nurses not directly involved in the preparation and administration of these two drugs (n = 6). CP and IF were excreted during different periods ranging from 1.40 to 24.15 h after the beginning of the working day, suggesting different times of exposure, different exposure routes, and/or interindividual differences in biotransformation and excretion rate for these compounds. The urinary CP and IF determination method seems to be sensitive and suitable for monitoring the exposure to and measuring the uptake of these toxic compounds by pharmacy technicians and nurses during occupational activities.