Occupational Chemical Exposure and Safety Adherence Rates Among Perioperative Nursing Staff

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 152–160

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000149

Original Research Article

Title: Occupational Chemical Exposure and Safety Adherence Rates Among Perioperative Nursing Staff

Names of Authors: Pieter J. van der Merwe¹, Sibongile M. Ndlovu²

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Occupational Health Unit, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa
²Department of Nursing Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract:
Chronic operating room exposure to chemical sterilants, surgical smoke, and anesthetic gases poses subtle but serious toxic hazards to theater nursing human resources. This study quantified safety adherence rates and investigated clinical symptoms linked to occupational chemical exposure among perioperative nurses. A cross-sectional survey evaluated 140 perioperative nurses across four major urban operating complexes using an occupational toxicity checklist and compliance index. The findings showed that while personal protective equipment (PPE) for fluid splashes was consistently used (88.6%), compliance with specialized respirator rules during laser or electrocautery procedures was low at 32.1%. Chronic respiratory irritation symptoms (coughing, wheezing) were reported by 45.0% of respondents, and 51.4% complained of recurrent headaches post-shift. Logistic regression models indicated that inadequate local exhaust ventilation infrastructure (OR = 3.14, 95% CI: 1.62–6.08, p = 0.002) and missing institutional chemical handling training (p = 0.007) significantly elevated risk scores. Theatre spaces require mandatory smoke evacuation systems, simplified toxic monitoring programs, and strict administrative oversight to secure workplace health metrics.

Keywords: Perioperative Nursing; Operating Room Safety; Surgical Smoke; Chemical Sterilants; Ventilation Systems; Occupational Health.

Manuscript Timeline: Received June 25, 2026; Revised August 16, 2026; Accepted September 01, 2026; Published September 14, 2026.

Citation: van der Merwe, P. J., & Ndlovu, S. M. (2026). Occupational Chemical Exposure and Safety Adherence Rates Among Perioperative Nursing Staff. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(9), 152–160. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000149

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