What occurs if negative pressure is not maintained in hazardous drug handling areas?

Maintaining negative pressure in hazardous drug handling areas is critical for ensuring a safe environment for both the staff and the surrounding areas. If negative pressure is not maintained, the air will flow into the hazardous drug handling area from adjacent areas, which poses a significant risk of contaminating both the workspace and the personnel involved. This is especially vital when dealing with hazardous drugs, as unintended exposure can lead to severe health consequences.

Negative pressure is designed to contain hazardous substances within a designated area and prevent their spread into other areas of the healthcare facility. It creates a controlled environment where any potential airborne contaminants are minimized, thereby protecting staff, patients, and the facility itself. If this pressure is compromised, it increases the likelihood of harmful substances escaping into the environment, thereby heightening the risk of exposure and contamination.

The other options, while potentially relevant in other contexts, do not directly address the primary concern associated with not maintaining negative pressure, which focuses on contamination risk.