What materials are considered chemotherapy wastes?

Chemotherapy wastes encompass materials that have been in contact with or are by-products of handling chemotherapy agents. The correct choice identifies expired drugs and contaminated materials, both of which can contain hazardous substances that pose a risk to human health and the environment.

Expired drugs that contain chemotherapeutic agents must be disposed of properly since they can be toxic even after they've surpassed their expiration dates. Contaminated materials, such as, for example, personal protective equipment (PPE) or any item that has come into contact with chemotherapy drugs, must also be treated as hazardous waste to prevent exposure and contamination.

The other options do not fully align with the definitions or classifications of chemotherapy waste. Unused bandages and gloves might not necessarily be considered hazardous if they have not come into contact with chemotherapy agents. Only used syringes can be hazardous if they contain trace amounts of chemotherapy drugs, but not all syringes qualify as chemotherapy waste unless they are also contaminated. Medical records, while important for patient management, do not pose a chemical hazard and are usually classified as confidential information rather than hazardous waste.