Pharmacies sell over-the-counter drugs, prescription medicines, medical devices and many personal care and household products. Many of these products can be hazardous to consumers and family members unless used as instructed and handled with care. 

Pharmacists and pharmacy workers may be exposed to toxic substances and drugs as part of their work. Pharmacy workers may face potential reproductive and other health risks from handling some drugs and from compounding medications. They may also be exposed to hazardous drugs used for cancer chemotherapy, antiviral drugs, hormones, anesthetics, and others, especially in a hospital pharmacy. If pharmacy workers use latex gloves, they may develop latex allergies or occupational asthma.

This description is based on the information found in the Web links listed with this topic.

Web Links from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine)
Cosmetics
Dietary Supplements
Drug Safety
Herbal Medicine
Household Products
Latex Allergy
Medical Device Safety
Medicines
Minerals
Occupational Health for Healthcare Providers
Over-the-Counter Medicines
Vitamins

More Links
Household Products Database (National Library of Medicine)
Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products as Pollutants (Environmental Protection Agency)
Pharmacists. Haz-Map (National Library of Medicine)
Pharmacy (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
Worker Exposure to Hazardous Drugs (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

Chemicals in the Pharmacy
Are these chemicals in MY community?
Acetone
Ammonia
Bisphenol A (BPA)
Chlorine
Endocrine Disruptors
Ethylene Oxide
Mercury
Nanoparticles
Pesticides
Phthalates
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs)
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Solvents

Last Updated: December 10, 2012