Advances In Balance Enclosure Technology Bring Safety Enhancements To The Pharmaceutical Industry

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America reports its members spent an estimated $33.2 billion on researching and developing new medicines and introduced 35 new medicines and 51 additional drugs in 2003 alone. Prescription drug development continues to increase in importance. Pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical and healthcare companies are involved in the effort to identify new compounds that will ultimately become the drugs of tomorrow. To find appropriate methods for handling and weighing toxic compounds while minimizing exposure among workers developing and producing these advanced medicines, scientists rely on industrial hygienists and environmental health and safety officers.

Because laboratory workers risk exposure to many toxins and suspected carcinogens, engineering controls and safe work practices should be used to reduce worker exposure as much as possible.2 Rapid advancements in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research mean companies shoulder the constant challenge and responsibility of protecting workers using and measuring toxic agents in dynamic laboratory environments. This paper investigates the challenges inherent in using current laboratory containment equipment to safeguard workers handling powdered toxic substances, and the opportunities provided by new solutions designed to better protect workers.