Health Hazard Evaluation Determination Report No. HHE-78-6-503, Cumberland Outpatient Department of Beth Israel Hospital, Brooklyn, New York

摘要

In response to a request from a representative of the nursing staff, an investigation was made of possible methadone (76993) exposures at the Cumberland Outpatient Department of Beth Israel Hospital, Brooklyn, New York, a methadone dispensing clinic. The distribution room measured 12 feet in all dimensions and was enclosed on three sides. Methadone had previously been received in prepackaged doses, but more recently the nurses had to count the contents of each 100 count bottle of methadone-hydrochloride (1095905) and separate tablets or diskets into individual doses. Nurses involved in dispensing the medication reported intermittent sleepiness, itching of the face, nose, and eyes, and dryness of skin on the hands and face. Urine studies indicated no detectable methadone or methadone metabolites at a limit of 1 microgram per milliliter. There is no evidence of methadone absorption; however, they recommend that skin contact with the tablets and diskets be kept to a minimum by use of instruments for moving the pills on the counting tray, frequent clean up of dust, and periodic hand washing.