Utility of the filter extraction method for detecting anticancer drug contamination in air

The filter extraction method is a new, simple method for evaluating anticancer drug contamination in air. The method involves installing a filter in the exhaust port of an exhaust duct on a facility's air conditioner, then collecting and measuring fine particles of the antineoplastic agents adsorbed onto the filter. In this study, we analyzed the utility of maintaining continuous filter extraction for measuring cyclophosphamide and 5-fluorouracil contamination. The filters were installed in 3 areas of an outpatient chemotherapy room and then left in place for approximately 5 months. Results revealed the presence of cyclophosphamide and 5-fluorouracil in all 3 areas. However, the amounts and ratios of detected drugs differed among survey sites; this may have been caused by factors such as drug preparation, administration, and excretion. We conclude that the filter extraction method can be used continuously for monitoring anticancer drug contamination in air; thus, it can be utilized to monitor healthcare workers' occupational exposure to inhaled anticancer drugs. Indeed, the filter extraction method may be useful as a novel environmental monitoring technique.