What is one criterion used by NIOSH to classify drugs as hazardous?

The classification of drugs as hazardous by NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) is primarily focused on their potential health risks to healthcare workers who may be exposed to them. One of the key criteria NIOSH uses is the presence of carcinogenicity and developmental toxicity. Drugs that are known to cause cancer (carcinogenic) or have the potential to affect fetal development (developmental toxicity) pose significant risks to patients and healthcare professionals alike, necessitating their designation as hazardous.

This classification is critical because it informs the handling and disposal procedures for these agents, ensuring that proper safety measures are taken to minimize exposure and protect individuals in healthcare settings. The inclusion of carcinogenicity and developmental toxicity as a criterion highlights the serious implications that these drugs can have, thereby guiding the implementation of appropriate safety protocols.