Evaluating Antineoplastic Agents and Occupational Exposures Among Italian Workers Using SIREP Surveillance System

Objective: The aim of the study is to evaluate exposures to antineoplastic agents at workplaces in healthcare and manufacturing in Italy. Methods: Data on antineoplastic agents were collected from occupational exposure registries. Statistical analysis was carried out for exposure-related variables. The number of workers potentially exposed was estimated for selected industrial sectors. Concurrent exposures were investigated using cluster analysis. Results: Overall 15,763 exposure situations were analyzed during 1996 to 2016. Most exposures occurred in healthcare (66%). A total of 11,830 workers potentially exposed to antineoplastic agents was estimated. Concurrent exposures were frequently detected in the pharmaceutical industry and among healthcare workers. Conclusions: Occupational exposure to antineoplastic agents currently represents a matter of concern both in the chemical industry and in the healthcare sector. The growing number of agents in use supports the need to constantly control exposures.