OCCUPATIONAL RISKS IN ONCOLOGY UNITS: ASSESSMENT OF EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL AGENTS FOR NURSING

Abstract

Oncology work is a specialized area of ​​healthcare dedicated to the study, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of cancer patients. This field requires a highly qualified multidisciplinary team, highlighting the essential role of nursing, responsible for administering antineoplastic drugs, monitoring adverse effects, preventing infections, and providing emotional support to the patient and family. As in other areas of healthcare, oncology involves significant occupational risks; however, it demands special attention to individual protection measures and the control of these risks, due to the handling of potentially toxic substances and the need for strict compliance with safety protocols. Nursing professionals working in oncology units are exposed to cytotoxic agents and biological materials, which can compromise their health and safety in the workplace. The safe handling of these agents depends on compliance with biosafety standards, the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and adherence to continuing education, factors that are essential to ensure the quality of care and the protection of the worker. This article aims to review the scientific literature on occupational risks in oncology, with an emphasis on the exposure of nursing staff to cytotoxic substances and biological materials. It is a descriptive and qualitative bibliographic research study based on articles published between 2008 and 2025 in the SciELO, LILACS, and PubMed databases. The study also addresses the importance of using personal protective equipment (PPE) and professional qualification for nurses who work or intend to work in this area.Keywords: Occupational hazards. Oncology. Nursing. Chemical agents. Biological agents.