PPE for Chemotherapy: What You Need to Know About Protection and Safety

When handling chemotherapy, a type of powerful drug used to kill cancer cells but also harmful to healthy tissue. Also known as cytotoxic drugs, it requires strict safety measures not just for patients, but for everyone who comes into contact with it—nurses, pharmacists, caregivers, and even family members. This isn’t just about wearing gloves. Personal protective equipment (PPE), specialized gear designed to block exposure to hazardous substances. Also known as chemotherapy safety gear, it includes gloves, gowns, masks, eye protection, and sometimes shoe covers—all chosen based on the risk level of the drug being handled. Without proper PPE, even small spills or aerosols can lead to skin irritation, reproductive harm, or long-term health issues like leukemia. The CDC and OSHA both treat chemotherapy agents as hazardous, and hospitals are required to follow specific protocols.

What most people don’t realize is that chemotherapy exposure, unintended contact with cytotoxic drugs through skin, inhalation, or ingestion. Also known as drug leakage, it can happen outside the hospital too. If a caregiver helps a patient take oral chemo pills, or cleans up vomit or urine after treatment, they’re at risk. That’s why disposable gloves and proper disposal methods matter at home. Even a single drop of urine from someone on chemo can contain active drug particles for days. Studies show that nurses who don’t double-glove or use closed-system transfer devices are up to 50% more likely to show trace chemo drugs in their urine. And it’s not just the staff—family members who don’t know how to handle laundry or bathroom surfaces after treatment can unknowingly bring exposure home.

It’s not enough to say "be careful." You need the right gear, the right training, and the right habits. For example, nitrile gloves are required—not latex. Gowns must be low-permeability and disposable. Eye protection isn’t optional if you’re mixing or administering IV chemo. And if you’re cleaning up a spill? You don’t use paper towels. You use a chemo spill kit with absorbent pads, neutralizing agents, and a sealed disposal bag. These aren’t suggestions. They’re the bare minimum to keep people safe.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides on how to handle chemotherapy safely—from hospital protocols to home care tips. Some posts cover what PPE is needed for different types of chemo. Others explain how to dispose of contaminated materials without risking others. You’ll also see how side effects like nausea or fatigue can make it harder to follow safety steps, and what to do about it. This isn’t theoretical. These are the tools and rules that keep real people safe every day.