Hospital environment may be harmful to workers
Hospital Safety Connection, November 2, 2006
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"Risks to Asthma Posed by Indoor Health Care Environments" is an 87-page study identifying common substances in healthcare that cause or trigger asthma and ways to reduce exposures.
The report revealed that
- top hazards include latex and biological allergens; disinfectants, sterilants, and cleaners; and formaldehyde, found in chemically-treated fabrics, carpets, pressed wood, and other products
- the disinfectant gluteraldehyde and the sterilizing agent ethylene oxide are of particular concern for nurses
- safer alternatives are available
"Asthma is the most commonly reported workplace lung condition. An estimated 10%-23% of all adult-onset asthma cases are due to workplace exposures," according to the report.
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