Table 2.
Relative levels of exposurea to antineoplastic agents by occupation and setting
| Occupation | Low exposure (n) | Moderate exposure (n) | High exposure (n) | Total exposed (n) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nurses (Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses) | ||||
| Hospital | 13900b | 5300c | 19200 | |
| Geriatric/Long term care | 700d | 700 | ||
| Home care | 800d | 800 | ||
| Physician Specialists | 500b | 500 | ||
| Pharmacy Workers (pharmacists, technicians) | ||||
| Hospital | 12700c | 12700 | ||
| Community | 25700d | 4500e | 30200 | |
| Veterinary Workers (veterinarians, technicians) | 5400d | 5400 | ||
| Home Care Workers (nurse aides, home care workers) | 1500d | 1500 | ||
| Cleaning Workers | ||||
| Hospital | 2900c | 2900 | ||
| Geriatric/Long term care | 100d | 100 | ||
| Laundry Workers | ||||
| Hospital | 500b | 500 | ||
| Geriatric/Long term care | 100d | 100 | ||
| Sub-contractor facilities | 200b | 200 | ||
| Total exposed | 74800 | |||
a‘Exposure’ refers to any potential contact with antineoplastic agents
bLow contact frequency, high exposure control = low exposure
cHigh contact frequency, high exposure control = moderate exposure
dLow contact frequency, low exposure control = moderate exposure
eHigh contact frequency, low exposure control = high exposure