27 Other Health And Safety Concerns In Hospitals
Cleaning chemicals
Depending on what technique
the hospital uses to disinfect
scopes and other medical equip-
ment, there is potential exposure
to hazardous chemicals like eth-
ylene oxide, formaldehyde, and
glutaraldehyde. Many hospitals
have safer disinfection systems
in place, but some may continue
to use these hazardous chemi-
cals. Ethylene oxide, glutaralde-
hyde, and formaldehyde all have
short-term irritation effects when
inhaled, like eye and respiratory
tract irritation, nausea, vomiting,
and shortness of breath. Long-
term exposure to ethylene oxide
may cause cancer. Repeated
exposures to formaldehyde may
develop into an allergic reaction
with severe reactions from eyes,
skin, and respiratory tract. It also
causes cancer.
Radiation
Radiation is used in diagnostic
tools in the hospital in porta-
ble and fixed x-ray machines.
Low-level, chronic exposure
to radiation can cause effects
like skin cancer, bone marrow
suppression, or genetic effects.
Acute exposures can cause
dermatitis, nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, and weakness. Expo-
sures can occur in healthcare
workers who are near a machine
in operation without protection.
These types of exposures are
easily prevented by creating
a sufficient barrier to separate
the employee from the radiation
source during operation. Another
source of exposure can happen
when regular maintenance is not
performed on radiation-producing
machines. Part of a proper injury
and illness prevention program
includes adequate machine/
equipment maintenance.
FOR QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS
PLEASE CONTACT OUR HEALTH AND
SAFETY DIVISION:
healthandsafety@nationalnursesunited.org
