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Reproductive Hazards |
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Occupational exposures to reproductive hazards may produce
a wide range of effects on reproduction. The effects of parental exposure before
conception include reduced fertility, unsuccessful fertilization or
implantation, an abnormal fetus, reduced libido, or menstrual dysfunction.
Maternal exposure after conception may result in prenatal death, low birth
weight, birth defects, developmental or behavioral disabilities, and cancer. Harmful
substances can enter the body by inhalation, contact with the skin, or ingestion
(if workers do not properly wash their hands before eating, drinking, or
smoking). Workplace substances that affect male workers may also indirectly
cause harm to their families. Certain substances unintentionally brought home by
a worker may affect a woman's reproductive system or the health of an unborn
child. Recognizing potential reproductive hazards is key in preventing and
minimizing their effects. The following references provide information related
to
reproductive hazards.
- Women
in the Construction Workplace: Providing Equitable Safety and Health
Protection. OSHA, (1999, June). Recognizes the unique risks associated
with females in construction trades, including reproductive
hazards.
- OSHA
Technical Manual (OTM). OSHA Directive TED 01-00-015 [TED 1-0.15A], (1999, January 20).
- The
Effects of Workplace Hazards on Female Reproductive Health. US Department of Health
and Human Services (DHHS), National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 99-104, (1999, February).
Addresses exposure, prevention, and reproductive hazards for female workers
and their unborn babies.
- The
Effects of Workplace Hazards on Male Reproductive Health. US Department of Health
and Human Services (DHHS), National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 96-132, (1997, January 23).
Identifies steps to reduce or prevent workplace exposure to reproductive
hazards.
- Ethylene
Oxide (EtO). National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Current Intelligence Bulletin 35,
(1981, May 22). Evaluates study results of Ethylene Oxide exposure to humans
and animals.
- The
Glycol Ethers, with Particular Reference to 2-Methoxyethanol and
2-Ethoxyethanol: Evidence of Adverse Reproductive Effects. National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Current Intelligence
Bulletin 39, (1983, May 2). Describes reproductive health hazards of
2-Methoxyethanol and 2-Ethoxyethanol.
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Workplace
VDT Use Not a Risk Factor for Reduced Birth Weight, Premature Birth, NIOSH
Finds. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Update, (1998, January 7). Discusses the results of a study, published in
1991, that found no association between video
display terminal (VDT) use and increased risk of spontaneous abortion.
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Rubber Products Manufacturing Industry. US Department of Health and Human
Services (DHHS), National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 93-106, (1993,
September). Summarizes the adverse health effects of worker exposures in the rubber products industry and examines research needed
to assess and prevent these effects.
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ToxFAQs
for Lead. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR),
(2005, September). Describes how exposure to lead may cause many health
problems including damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and reproductive
systems.
- Khattak, S., et al. "Pregnancy
outcome following gestational exposure to organic solvents; a prospective
controlled study." Journal of American Medical
Association (JAMA) 281.12(1999, March
24-31): 1106-1109. Shows an increased
risk of major fetal malformations in pregnant workers exposed to organic
solvents.
- Ito, S., and G. Koren. "Estimation
of fetal risk from aerosolized pentamidine in pregnant healthcare workers."
Chest 106.5(1994, November): 1460-1462. Called
for improvements to be made in administering aerosolized Pentaminde to allow
for safe administration by pregnant healthcare workers.
- Workplace Hazard to Reproduction and Development: A
Resource for Workers, Employers, Health Care Providers, and Health &
Safety Personnel. Washington State Department of Labor and
Industries, Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention
(SHARP), (1999, August), 210 KB PDF,
8 pages. Identifies workplace reproduction and development hazards.
- Workplace Reproductive Health Hazards.
Materials Science & Technology Division (MST), 68 KB PDF,
9 pages. Identifies and defines workplace reproductive hazards.
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