Abdulrahman Bahrami *1 
, Faezah Shariati , Farshid GHorbani Shahna , Majid Habibi Mohjraz , Samira Rahimnejad
, Faezah Shariati , Farshid GHorbani Shahna , Majid Habibi Mohjraz , Samira Rahimnejad
1- , bahrami@umsha.ac.ir
Abstract: (73 Views)
The use of chemical substances such as chlorine, formaldehyde, and isoflurane in sterilization, disinfection, and anesthesia processes in hospital environments, despite their vital role in infection prevention, can pose serious health risks to staff. This study was conducted with the aim of quantitatively assessing the risk arising from occupational exposure to these compounds in hospitals across four provinces of the country.
Materials and Methods:
To estimate health risks, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) quantitative risk assessment model was employed. The lifetime cancer risk (LCR) index was calculated for formaldehyde (a carcinogenic substance), and the hazard quotient (HQ) was calculated for isoflurane and chlorine (non-carcinogenic substances). Individual data were also collected through questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 16.
Results:
The results showed that the risk of exposure to chlorine was unacceptable in all examined occupations, with HQ values exceeding 1 in every case, indicating the potential for acute health effects. The highest level of chlorine risk was observed in the hospital laundry operator at Clinic number 1 in Hamedan. Regarding formaldehyde, the cancer risk (LCR) fell within the definite and probable risk range, and compared to WHO-recommended limits, the non-carcinogenic risk (HQ) was unacceptable in all occupations. The highest LCR was recorded among surgeons in a hospital in Kerman Province.
Conclusion:
The findings emphasize the necessity of revising chemical use processes, enhancing ventilation systems, implementing source-control measures, providing comprehensive staff training, and ensuring widespread use of personal protective equipment.
Materials and Methods:
To estimate health risks, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) quantitative risk assessment model was employed. The lifetime cancer risk (LCR) index was calculated for formaldehyde (a carcinogenic substance), and the hazard quotient (HQ) was calculated for isoflurane and chlorine (non-carcinogenic substances). Individual data were also collected through questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 16.
Results:
The results showed that the risk of exposure to chlorine was unacceptable in all examined occupations, with HQ values exceeding 1 in every case, indicating the potential for acute health effects. The highest level of chlorine risk was observed in the hospital laundry operator at Clinic number 1 in Hamedan. Regarding formaldehyde, the cancer risk (LCR) fell within the definite and probable risk range, and compared to WHO-recommended limits, the non-carcinogenic risk (HQ) was unacceptable in all occupations. The highest LCR was recorded among surgeons in a hospital in Kerman Province.
Conclusion:
The findings emphasize the necessity of revising chemical use processes, enhancing ventilation systems, implementing source-control measures, providing comprehensive staff training, and ensuring widespread use of personal protective equipment.
Article number: 6
Type of Study: Research Article |
Subject:
Chemical agents
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