Which of the following air quality measures is critical in a hazardous drug compounding area?

In a hazardous drug compounding area, maintaining negative air pressure is critical to ensure safety and containment. Negative pressure helps to prevent the escape of hazardous drugs into surrounding areas, protecting both the compounding personnel and other patients. This pressure differential means that any potential contaminants are contained within the designated area, minimizing the risk of exposure in adjacent spaces.

In environments where hazardous drugs are handled, it is essential to comply with the guidelines set forth by USP <800>, which focuses on the safe handling and containment of these substances. By utilizing negative pressure, the room can effectively limit the release of airborne particles or vapors generated during drug compounding processes.

The other options listed do not provide the same level of protection. High humidity levels could promote mold growth and degradation of certain substances. Positive pressure could lead to the escape of hazardous drugs into the surrounding environment, and the use of air fresheners is not advisable since they can introduce unnecessary chemicals into the air, potentially compromising the integrity of the compounding area. Hence, in hazardous drug compounding, negative pressure is the necessary measure to properly contain hazardous compounds.