What must packaging materials for hazardous drugs protect against?

The correct answer highlights the comprehensive requirements for packaging materials used for hazardous drugs, which must safeguard against multiple potential risks: damage, leakage, contamination, and degradation.

In the context of hazardous drugs, it's crucial that packaging not only prevents physical damage to the contents but also ensures that the drugs remain uncontaminated. Any breach in the packaging could result in leakage, which poses a risk to both handlers and the environment. Additionally, the integrity of hazardous drug formulations must be maintained to avoid degradation, which can affect the drug's efficacy and safety over time.

When packaging materials are designed to address all these aspects, they contribute significantly to maintaining safe handling practices, regulatory compliance, and overall patient and healthcare professional safety. Consequently, choosing packaging that protects against all these factors is a critical deliverable in the handling of hazardous drugs.