How are hazardous drugs classified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)?

Hazardous drugs are classified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) primarily based on their potential for exposure and toxicity risks. This classification focuses on the health and safety implications of handling these substances. NIOSH identifies drugs as hazardous when they possess certain characteristics, which may include carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, reproductive toxicity, organ toxicity at low doses, and genotoxicity. These factors determine the danger they pose not only to patients but also to healthcare workers and the environment.

By assessing the potential for harmful exposure and the associated toxicity risks, NIOSH establishes guidelines and recommendations for the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous drugs, ensuring the protection of healthcare personnel and patients alike. Such classifications are crucial in developing protocols that minimize risks in healthcare settings.