Occupational exposure to antineoplastic agents : self-reported miscarriages and stillbirths among nurses and pharmacists
Valanis, Barbara ; Vollmer WM ; Steele, Paul
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
1999
41
8
632-638
abortion ; cytotoxic drugs ; exposure ; hospital ; mutagens ; nurse ; pharmaceuticals ; pregnant women ; reproductive hazards ; teratogens ; women
English
The relationship between infertility and chemotherapeutic drug handling was investigated in a group of 405 nurses and pharmacy personnel reporting infertility. Each subject was matched with three controls. Results for the total sample and for women showed a significantly elevated odds ratio for self-reported infertility associated with occupational handling of chemotherapeutic drugs prior to the onset of infertility. For men, the odds ratio was similar, but not significant. The use of adequate protection during the handling of antineoplastic drugs is recommended.
Paper
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