A recent and
unusual sudden rise in the number of nurses and house keeping employees
presenting with different kinds of respiratory symptoms to their employee’s
health clinic in a nearby community hospital, has become a thought-provoking
matter.
It is of
note that nurses and house keeping employees are the most exposed to hospital
cleaning products, including but are not limited to fragrances, pesticides, latex
and other patients and personal cleaning products.
There is
evidence that hospital cleaning and other personal care products containing
toxic chemicals are responsible for adult onset of asthma, as well as trigger
for some underlined asthma diseases. At risk employees must know and understand
the negative health impacts of chemicals in their work environment.
Occupational
safety and health administration (OSHA), mandates healthcare organizations to keep
and make Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), available to their employees, provide
personal protective equipment, and as much as possible maintain fragrances free
work environment to the at-risk population.
An immediate
evaluation and treatment of the exposed employee is warranted by a certified
occupational health care provider. OSHA is notified of each incident of
exposure, evaluation and treatment. Nurses have the responsibility to educate
their communities and participate in environmental health and protection.
Interesting take on the issue, Chika. Sometimes the exposure is not an exposure to special chemicals, but an exposure to the common chemicals used to clean floors, rooms, windows, etc. I can personally attest to feeling sick and having issues breathing when these chemicals are introduced. Since environmental workers wear masks when cleaning due to exposures to chemicals, shouldn't common employees have the same mandated policy? I agree that nurses need to educate their communities, especially patients who are admitted for respiratory issues, as this may exacerbate their already fragile condition.
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