Nurses survey suggests risk from chemicals.ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH,Dec 12,2007.Nurses who are exposed to high levels of chemicals and drugs on the job are more likely to report having asthma, miscarriages and some cancers, according to a survey released today.More than 1,500 nurses nationwide, including a sample from Missouri and Illinois, were asked last year about their health histories and on-the-job exposures to cleaning products, radiation, mercury and other potentially hazardous materials. The survey was conducted by the Washington-based nonprofit Environmental Working Group.[ See ]