Environmental contamination with cytostatic drugs: past, present and future

Introduction Cytostatic drugs have been used for many years in the treatment of cancer and non-neoplastic diseases. However, most cytostatic drugs are not selective in action and healthy cells are also damaged, which results in adverse health effects [1]. For healthcare workers such as pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, nurses, and medical doctors involved in the preparation and administration of these drugs, exposure may also cause adverse effects such as cancer, foetal malformations, and foetal loss during pregnancy even at low exposure levels [1].