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Using Fume Hood to Reduce Nurses' Exposure to Particulate Matters Dispersed Into the Air During Pill Crushing
Azita Amiri1, LeAnn Guess2, Richard Gilder3
1College of Nursing, The University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Workplace Health & Safety
|July 29, 2023
Summary
Pill crushing releases particulate matter (PM) into the air, posing a health hazard to nurses. Using a fume hood significantly reduces PM exposure during medication preparation, enhancing workplace safety.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Safety
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Background:
- Pill crushing is a common practice in healthcare settings.
- This process can disperse particulate matter (PM) into the air, potentially exposing nurses to medication ingredients.
- PM is a significant indoor air pollutant.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify particulate matter (PM) sizes and concentrations during pill crushing.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a fume hood in reducing PM pollution in indoor air.
Main Methods:
- Two scenarios were tested: pill crushing with and without a fume hood.
- Acetaminophen tablets were crushed and mixed with applesauce in a cleanroom.
- Particulate matter (PM) sizes and concentrations were measured before and during the crushing process.
Main Results:
- Pill crushing emitted various PM sizes, including inhalable, respirable, and thoracic particles.
- The total count and mass concentrations of PM were significantly lower when a fume hood was utilized (p = .00).
Conclusions:
- Pill crushing generates PM, presenting a workplace safety health hazard for nurses.
- Healthcare professionals should use fume hoods and appropriate protective equipment when crushing pills.
- Further research is needed due to significant particulate pollution from pill crushing.
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