Abstract

SUSPIRO, Alexandra  and  PRISTA, João. Occupational exposure to anticancer drugs and adverse health effects. Rev. Port. Sau. Pub. [online]. 2012, vol.30, n.1, pp.76-88. ISSN 0870-9025.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rpsp.2011.12.002.

Anticancer drugs share DNA-damaging properties affecting not only target-cells, but also non tumour cells. Its genotoxicity has been demonstrated in experimental models and in cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. Health care personnel involved in the preparation and administration of these agents are at risk for adverse health effects, since environmental sampling studies demonstrated widespread contamination of work surfaces and utensils. Adherence to safety guidelines and proper use of personal protective equipment are insufficient to prevent significant absorption, evidenced by the presence of detectable amounts of drugs in urine samples and increased frequency of genotoxicity biomarkers. The evidence regarding adverse health effects on workers occupationally exposed to anticancer agents is reviewed.

Keywords : Anticancer drugs; Occupational exposure; Health effects.

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