These tools will no longer be maintained as of December 31, 2024. Archived website can be found here. PubMed4Hh GitHub repository can be found here. Contact NLM Customer Service if you have questions.


Pubmed for Handhelds

PUBMED FOR HANDHELDS

Search MEDLINE/PubMed

  • Title: Using Fume Hood to Reduce Nurses' Exposure to Particulate Matters Dispersed Into the Air During Pill Crushing.
    Author: Amiri A, Guess L, Gilder R, Showalter D, Hart L, Sattler B.
    Journal: Workplace Health Saf; 2023 Sep; 71(9):412-418. PubMed ID: 37515535.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Pill crushing is a common practice in patient care settings. Crushing pills can disperse particulate matter (PM) into indoor air. The PM is a widespread air pollutant composed of microscopic particles and droplets of various sizes and may carry active and/or inactive ingredients nurses can inhale. This study aimed to quantify PM sizes and concentration in indoor air when pills are crushed and examine the role of a fume hood in reducing particulate pollution. METHODS: Two scenarios (with and without a fume hood) representing nurses' pill-crushing behaviors were set up in a positive-pressure cleanroom. Two acetaminophen tablets (325 mg/tablet) were crushed into powder and mixed with unsweetened applesauce. The PM sizes and concentrations were measured before and during crushing. RESULTS: Different sizes of PM, including inhalable, respirable, and thoracic particles, were emitted during medication crushing. The total count of all particle sizes and mass concentrations of particles were significantly lower during crushing when a fume hood was used (p = .00). CONCLUSION: Pill crushing increases PM and should be considered a workplace safety health hazard for nurses. Healthcare professionals should work under a fume hood when crushing pills and wear proper protective equipment. The findings of significant particulate pollution related to pill crushing suggest that further research is warranted.
    [Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]