Reproductive Health
In the workforce, 75% of women are of reproductive age. Over half the children born in the United States are born to working mothers.1 Many NIOSH studies were done to learn whether women may have reproductive health hazards that may be related to their work environment.
NIOSH publications that relate to reproductive health in working women include:
Circadian rhythm disruption: a chronic occupational hazard among flight
attendants?
The study looked at whether female flight attendants were more likely to experience circadian disruption (sleep cycle/circadian rhythm disruption) compared to teachers. Although flight attendants slept longer than teachers, the study found flight attendants experienced lower quality sleep compared to teachers.
Risk factors for female infertility in an agricultural region
This study looked at women working
or living in an agricultural setting and the risk of female infertility.
The results suggest that certain agricultural, residential and lifestyle
choices may affect the risk of female infertility.
The Effects of Workplace
Hazards on Female Reproductive Health
DHHS (NIOSH) Pub. No. 99-104 (1999)
En
Español
Describes reproductive hazards for female workers, the function of the
female reproductive system, what hazards might be caused by workplace
exposures, etc.
Video display terminals and the risk of spontaneous abortion
Telephone operators who used video display terminals (VDTs) at work were
compared with non-VDT-users; 2,430 women were interviewed. No higher chance
of reduced birth weight, preterm birth, or miscarriage was found
to be associated with any VDT use during pregnancy.
Work schedule during pregnancy and spontaneous abortion
This study looked at whether work schedule can affect the risk of miscarriage in U.S. nurses. Researchers found night work and long work hours may be associated with an increased risk of miscarriage.
Work with video display terminals and the risk of reduced birthweight and
preterm birth
This study looked at the risk of reduced birthweight and preterm births
among workers who used video display terminals (VDTs). The study found
workplace use of VDTs was not associated with reduced birthweight or preterm birth.
For additional information about reproductive health that applies to male and female workers, check out these other NIOSH web pages:
Reproductive Health