BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In this study we discuss about risks to health of intensive care unity staff and suggest a proposal of integral approach of health. CONTENTS: Literature review, from 1997 to 2007, at Bireme database about "health education", "intensive care unity", "nursing" and "occupational health", regardless of design of study. CONCLUSIONS: All studies show that the environment of intensive care unity is unhealthy, which is also due to habits and attitudes of ICU health professionals. An approach to health education would be beneficial to minimize the problem. Strategies for continuing education are appropriate both in the prevention of occupational and environmental risks in intensive care units.
health education; ICU; nursing; occupational health