Esposizione ad antracicline in ambito ospedaliero: valutazione dell’efficacia delle misure di prevenzione

Occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs can represent a potential health risk for hospital staff. Considering that exposure assessment is the first step in providing a safe work environment, the present study reports results of a biological monitoring of nurses exposed to doxorubicin and epirubicin. A detailed questionnaire about workplace practices and work organization was administered to 56 nurses of oncological departments of two hospitals located in Southern Italy. End-shift urines were collected and analysed by solid phase extraction/liquid chromatography/fluorescence detection. Amounts of manipulated anthracyclines were registered. Questionnaire information evidenced that vertical laminar flow hoods were present in both hospitals, but surfaces were cleaned with inappropriate detergents, no anti-spilling devices were adopted, and gloves were not changed during the work shift. A lower percentage of positive samples was found in the hospital where higher amounts of anthracyclines were handled (3.4% compared to 14.8%), suggesting individual incorrect working/cleaning practices in the first case and overall hygienic standards to be improved in the second one. Results showed the crucial role of adopting effective safety precautions and handling practices to reduce exposure and highlighted the need to carry out both environmental and biological monitoring, in order to discriminate between incorrect personal working modalities and general hygienic standards.