Occupational Exposures Among Nurses Caring for Chemotherapy Patients: Quantitative Analysis of Cyclophosphamide and Alpha-Fluoro-Beta-Alanine in Urine

    January 2016 in “ SANGYO EISEIGAKU ZASSHI ”
    Makiko Sasaki, Noriko Ishii, Yukiko Kikuchi, Yukiko Kudoh, Reiko Sugiyama, Makiko Hasebe
    Studysummary This study found that nearly all nurses caring for chemotherapy patients showed detectable levels of cyclophosphamide in their urine, indicating significant occupational exposure to this antineoplastic drug.
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    The study assessed occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs among 10 female nurses by measuring cyclophosphamide (CP) and α-fluoro-β-alanine (FBAL) in urine. CP was detected in 9 nurses, with levels from 5.4 to 44.2 ng/24-hours, while FBAL was not found. CP presence in nurses not directly handling CP drips suggested exposure through inhalation or dermal absorption. The study emphasized the need for proper personal protective equipment and regular monitoring to reduce exposure risks, noting hair loss as a common health issue among the nurses.
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