The European Biosafety Network (EBN) welcomes the publication of a new peer-reviewed article in Springer Pflege presenting the findings of a nationwide survey of more than 1,000 oncology nurses in Germany. The study provides one of the most comprehensive recent snapshots of how hazardous medicinal products (HMPs), including cytotoxic drugs, are handled in clinical practice following the transposition of the revised Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic Substances Directive (CMRD) into German law.
Read the full article here: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s41906-026-3005-4
The results reveal significant shortcomings in the implementation of statutory occupational safety requirements. While awareness of risks is generally high, the survey identifies inconsistent training, risky work processes during drug administration, limited access to closed-system technologies, and a lack of systematic medical and environmental monitoring. Particularly concerning is the low prevalence of surface contamination testing and health surveillance, despite clear regulatory expectations under EU law and TRGS 525.
Hazardous medicinal products classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic present cumulative long-term health risks to healthcare workers. Oncology nursing is a predominantly female profession, and the implications for reproductive health, cancer risk and workforce sustainability are significant. The findings underline that legislative change alone is insufficient without consistent implementation, monitoring, and enforcement at institutional level.
The EBN believes this publication strengthens the evidence base for full and effective application of the CMRD hierarchy of controls, including the routine use of closed systems including CSTDs. Protecting healthcare workers from preventable occupational exposure is both a legal requirement and a fundamental component of safe and sustainable healthcare systems.
