Guide to Protecting Health Care Workers from Hazardous Drugs and Chemicals

Because of their frequent exposure to hazardous drugs and chemicals — such as antineoplastics, antiviral treatments, chemotherapy drugs, glutaraldehyde and hormone regimens — in the course of caring for patients, hospital and health care workers are at increased risk for chemical and pharmaceutical exposure. Thus, the CDC, HHS, NIOSH and other workplace safety organizations are making workers and their employers aware of the risks these drugs and chemicals pose when exposures occur.