Surfaces contamination with 5-Fluorouracil in two Portuguese hospitals

• Author(s): Viegas, Susana ; Gomes, Mário ; Pádua, Mário
• Date: 2014
• Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.21/3777
• Origin: Repositório Científico do Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa
• Subject(s): Environmental health; Fungal contamination; Hospital; Surfaces contamination; Antineoplastic drugs; Portugal
• Document Type: Conference Object
• Language: English

Description

Background - The use of antineoplastic drugs in cancer therapy is increasing due to their action in cancer cells. Carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic effects. Some studies demonstrated that nurses and pharmacy personnel involved in preparation or administration are exposed to antineoplastic drugs. Aim: assess 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) contamination on the surfaces of two Portuguese Hospitals (preparation and administration units). 5-FU is one of the most frequently antineoplastic agent used in Portuguese Hospitals and can be easily absorbed through the skin. This drug can be used as an marker of surfaces contamination and exposure and have been extensively discussed in other studies.