A Comprehensive Review of Airborne Metal Exposures and Their Impact on Nurses' Health: Analyzing Occupational Risks and Preventive Measures
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63278/10.63278/mme.v31.1Keywords:
airborne metal exposures, nurses' health, occupational risks, healthcare safety, preventive measures, respiratory effects, neurological effects, medical equipment, health monitoring, personal protective equipment (PPE), healthcare environments.Abstract
This comprehensive review explores the impact of airborne metal exposures on nurses' health, focusing on the occupational risks associated with healthcare settings. Nurses, as the backbone of healthcare systems, are exposed to various environmental pollutants, including metals, during routine clinical activities. This review critically examines the sources of airborne metals, such as those generated by medical equipment and patient treatments, and discusses the potential health effects, particularly respiratory and neurological disorders. The evidence presented highlights the significance of these exposures, which have been under-recognized despite their growing presence in healthcare environments. The review also identifies the gaps in existing literature, especially regarding the specific risks faced by nurses, and proposes preventive measures, including enhanced monitoring, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and the adoption of safer medical technologies. By addressing these challenges, the review aims to improve nurse safety and contribute to the development of more effective health protection policies in healthcare settings.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Fatimah Abdullah Ahmad Alsaanonah, Marwa Ahmed Ali Al Turki, Layla Zaki Ali Ashour, Mariam Habib Abdullah Alhakeem, Zahra Fahmi Ahmed Aman, Fatimah Ali Hassan Alzakariya, Zammal Mana Zammal Almansour, Amal Jaber Yahya Dawsh, Reem Khelaiwi Matrook Almutairi, Hawraa Mohammed Abdulwahab Alsalem, Mansour Rashad Alaqeel, Manouer Khalid Abdullah Alsubaie
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