Cytotoxic drugs — including cytostatics and antineoplastic agents — are used to eliminate rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells. However, their non-selective action can also damage healthy tissue, leading to adverse health effects.
Healthcare and pharmaceutical professionals are routinely exposed to these hazardous drugs through preparation, administration, and waste management activities. The shift toward home-based therapies extends exposure risks to caregivers, family members, and cleaning staff. Improper disposal and excretion also contribute to environmental contamination, particularly in water systems, with potential harm to ecosystems and public health.
This laboratory focuses on:
– developing advanced analytical methods to detect hazardous drugs in environmental and biological samples;
– identifying contamination sources and exposure pathways in occupational settings;
– investigating the environmental mobility of these substances;
– assessing risks to humans and aquatic organisms;
– designing mitigation strategies — from safety training to innovative treatment technologies — to inform policy and improve health protections.
