Are Chemicals Working Against You?

Women who work with chemicals in their careers are rightfully concerned about the potential impact on their health.

The first step should be understanding workers' rights. Employers are responsible for understanding and notifying workers about hazards that can affect pregnancy. They are also responsible for protecting workers from these hazards as much as can be foreseen, including providing proper ventilation, protective clothing and safety procedures that will prevent accidents or spillage.

That is the law, but sometimes employers fall short of their obligations, particularly when providing information on potential hazards in a way that is easily understood. Although it may be uncomfortable sometimes, it's important to ask specific questions about the workplace to determine whether exposure is safe or carries potential high risk.

How Harmful Are Chemicals?

Smells alone do not determine whether a chemical is potentially harmful. Acids or chemical irritants that smell strong may not be an issue. In some cases, brief exposure may not create a hazard.

There are chemicals that can slow fetal growth, cause miscarriages or promote birth defects. This is particularly true during the first three months of pregnancy when organs and limbs form, and the mother may not be aware of the pregnancy. During the last six months of pregnancy, chemicals may slow growth or cause problems in brain development, and low birth weight may become an issue.