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Background: Surface contamination with cytotoxic drug residue is a potential occupational health hazard to staff working in cytotoxic compounding areas and oncology wards. Aim: To identify surfaces contaminated with cytotoxic drug residue and to indicate the risk of exposure to health workers handling cytotoxic drug residue. Method: Wipe sampling was used to investigate surface contamination and occupational skin exposure to the marker cytotoxic drugs, fluorouracil (5-FU) and gemcitabine (GEM), in the pharmacy cytotoxic compounding section and oncology wards. Drug packaging, primary containers and gowns were also examined. Samples were analysed using a validated HPLC method. Repeat sampling was performed on selected surfaces to monitor any impact after implementing changes in practice. Results:The majority of surfaces tested were contaminated. The cytotoxic work room (5-FU 56.7-320 µg/m 2 ; GEM 75-370 µg/m 2 ) and oncology wards had similar levels of contamination. Cytotoxic drug residue was detected on original containers and drug vials (5-FU < 3-6 µg; GEM 7.8-7.9 µg/wipe sample) stored in the cytotoxic work room but not on containers delivered directly from the distributor, suggesting that accidental contamination by pharmacy personnel does occur. Contamination was also detected on sections of the gowns (GEM around 0.9 mg/m 2 ) worn by nurses in the oncology wards.

Background: Apart from generic guidelines for the safe handling of cytotoxic drugs in pharmacy departments, there is no specific published literature pertaining to cleaning procedures and inadvertent exposure to paclitaxel. Aim: To examine occupational exposure to paclitaxel; to identify an effective decontamination reagent; and to determine suitable glove type for skin protection. Method: 8 decontamination reagents were tested for paclitaxel degradation. Air sampling filters, Ghost Wipes and cotton wipes were tested under different storage conditions (room temperature, ≤ 4

Inhalational exposure to dust from engineered stone (ES), also known as artificial or composite stone, is associated with a specific disease profile, namely accelerated silicosis, and scleroderma. The pathogenic mechanisms are poorly understood, particularly the role of resin and metal ions. Metal ions are present in pigments and constituent minerals and may be considered potential contributors to toxicity. The aim of this preliminary study was to understand the solubility of ES-containing metals in artificial lysosomal fluid (ALF) simulating the acidic intracellular environment of the lung macrophage lysosome. Differences with respect to ES types and temporal release were explored. Ten ES products of variable colour and company origin were comminuted and assessed for four different metals, solubilized into ALF solutions at 1,2,4 and 8 weeks at 37 °C. There was significant variability in metal release, particularly with regard to iron and manganese, which could be correlated with the reflected brightness of the stone. A majority of the available Mn, Fe, Al and Ti was solubilized. Time trends for metal release varied with ES type but also with metal ion. The data suggest a high metal ion bioavailability once engulfed by lung macrophages. There is a need to investigate a wider range of ES dust and relate metal content to markers of ES toxicity.

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