NIOSH Hazardous Drugs: What They Are, Who’s at Risk, and How to Stay Safe

When you hear NIOSH hazardous drugs, a list of medications classified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health as posing serious health risks to healthcare workers through exposure. Also known as hazardous pharmaceuticals, these drugs are not just dangerous if taken by accident—they can harm people who handle them daily, even in small amounts. This includes chemotherapy agents, some antiviral drugs, hormone treatments, and certain compounding chemicals used in hospitals and pharmacies. These aren’t theoretical risks. Studies show nurses, pharmacists, and cleaners who regularly touch or prepare these drugs have higher rates of reproductive issues, skin rashes, and even long-term cancer risk.

The real issue isn’t just the drugs themselves—it’s how they’re handled. Chemotherapy drugs, a major category of NIOSH hazardous drugs used to treat cancer but highly toxic to healthy cells, can become airborne during mixing or spill during administration. Even tiny amounts left on surfaces or gloves can be absorbed through skin or inhaled. That’s why occupational safety, the set of practices and equipment designed to protect workers from workplace hazards isn’t optional. It’s a must. Gloves alone won’t cut it. You need closed-system transfer devices, proper ventilation, spill kits, and training that’s updated regularly. Many clinics still skip these steps because they think "it’s never happened here." But NIOSH data proves it’s not a matter of if—it’s a matter of when.

What you’ll find in these posts isn’t just theory. It’s real-world guidance from people who’ve seen the effects firsthand. You’ll learn which drugs top the NIOSH list, how to read safety labels that actually matter, what PPE works and what’s just for show, and how to push for better safety rules at your workplace—even if you’re not in charge. There’s no fluff here. Just clear steps to protect yourself, your team, and your long-term health. Whether you’re a nurse, pharmacist, or pharmacy tech, if you touch these drugs, you need to know this.