P-237 OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE TO CYTOSTATIC DRUGS AND HEALTH EFFECTS IN MOROCCO: PILOT STUDY IN THE FES-MEKNES REGION

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Cytostatic or antineoplastic drugs are mainly used in chemotherapy for cancer treatment. The daily use of cytostatic drugs by healthcare professionals might expose them to several health risks. Our study aims to monitor occupational and environmental exposure to cytostatic drugs among health care workers and predict its health risks. Methods We first launched in Morocco an online survey to assess knowledge and practices related to the use of personal protective equipment among health professionals. Then, we conducted a pilot cross-sectional study among 45 health workers to identify methods for exposure evaluation and to quantitatively evaluate the exposure to cytostatics. Wipe sampling is taken from surfaces, objects and PPEs, and combined with dermal sampling from health care workers, to be analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer. Human biomonitoring focuses on the investigation of 6 cytostatics excreted in urine.Neurotoxicological and epigenetic biomarkers are assessed and correlated to cytostatics concentrations. Results The results show that 20.8% of healthcare workers regularly use PPEs, and that 72.7% are not trained in the safe handling of cytostatic drugs. 43.6% report to be less aware of the cytostatic risks on their health. Discussion Results are expected to highlight the risks of unintended exposure to cytostatic drugs in occupational setting and pave the way for a larger study confirming our preliminary results. Conclusion Our pilot study should also lead to greater awareness raising and tailored occupational health programs.