What's new in managing health hazards in pathology departments

Health hazards related to activities performed in pathology departments have represented, in recent years, an increasing concern among pathologists and pathology technicians. The major occupational health problems encountered in pathology departments are reviewed. They include biological hazards (tuberculosis, hepatitis, HIV, other infectious diseases), chemical hazards (formaldehyde, xylene(s), aromatic amines, methacrylates, glutaraldehyde, latex) and physical hazards (cut injuries, accidental fires, radiation). Current data suggest that infections (particularly, tuberculosis and hepatitis) still represent the more relevant risk. Exposure to HIV and Creutzfeldt-Jakob agent may be highly harmful but containment measures have been proven to be effective. The actual adverse effects due to chemicals seem to be less alarming than was previously believed. Attaining a safe work environment is an inherent element of good quality assurance management. This task is largely a matter of information, education, organization and common sense. Well-designed premises, efficient equipment and well-trained personnel are the keys to preventing and minimizing hazardous exposures. In order to provide current information that may be used by pathology staff to implement the functional quality of the workplace, organizational and preventive measures are described.