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Chemotherapy Drug Exposures at an Oncology Clinic

HHE Program investigators evaluated reports of work-related health symptoms at an oncology clinic, including upper respiratory irritation, headache, fainting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Investigators found platinum-containing chemotherapy drugs in most of the surface wipe samples, but not in hand wipe samples collected during the evaluation. Cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide were also found in some surface wipe samples. Investigators recommended that managers

• instruct employees and cleaning staff to clean work surfaces after chemotherapy drugs are used and at the end of each day.
• observe employee and patient activities in the checkout area to find where cross-contamination of chemotherapy drugs may occur.