Chemical Substances and Its Side Effects on Nurse's Health : A Literature Review

The thesis purpose was to observe the dangers of hazardous chemical substances and how to manage problems in the health care setting. The aim of the thesis was to address the side effects of chemical substances on nurses’ health, and how to prevent those side effects in hospitals. The study was done by using the literature review. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were utilized to ensure the quality of data. A content analysis was performed, and data has been collected and analyzed from relevant sources based on their particular issues, area of research, or theory. By using systematic literature review method, the collected data was analyzed. The data was collected by using Centria’s databases, such as CINAHL (EBSCO), Science Direct, PubMed and SAGE journals. 23 arti-cles were used in the literature review by applying inclusive and exclusive criteria. The authors chose articles which were published no more than ten years ago to update latest information. The results of the study are divided into two parts which are the impacts of chemical substances and the management of how to avoid chemical hazards in the working environment. Chemical exposure affects every aspect of nurse’s health. For example, respirational failure, biological change, reproductive health, allergic reaction, and neurological damage are the main side effects of chemical hazards. The core findings of the research include the prevention of chemical exposure in the hospital. For example, personal protective equipment (PPE) should be applied in a working environment. The conclusion of this study highlights the importance of management and the need to understand pro-foundly negative effects of chemical substances