Marina Reed, PharmD Candidate

In response to the numerous concerns regarding antineoplastic drugs and other medications that may threaten the health of patients and health care workers, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) developed a list, updated biennially, of hazardous drugs.

Each year, more than 8 million U.S. health care personnel are potentially exposed to hazardous medications. Acute and chronic health effects have been reported, including headaches, ocular problems, rashes, hair loss, adverse reproductive health, and increased cancer risk.