What type of pressure environment is preferred when storing hazardous drugs?

A negative air pressure environment is preferred when storing hazardous drugs to ensure that any potentially harmful airborne contaminants do not escape from the designated storage area. In a negative pressure setting, air is drawn into the storage area from surrounding spaces, which helps to maintain containment of hazardous substances and prevent their dispersal into areas where personnel are present.

This environment is crucial for safety and compliance with regulatory guidelines, such as those set forth by USP Chapter <800>, which outlines standards for the safe handling of hazardous drugs. By maintaining negative pressure, the risk of exposure to healthcare workers and patients is minimized, as airborne particles are contained within the hazardous drug storage area, reducing the likelihood of inhalation or contact.

In contrast, high pressure can lead to the escape of harmful particles, while variable pressure environments do not provide the consistent containment needed for safety. Neutral air pressure does not create the necessary negative gradient to keep airborne contaminants contained, making it unsuitable for the storage of hazardous drugs.