PREGNANT WOMEN HAZARDS
Hazard Risks Preventatives
CHEMICAL AGENTS
Lead/Lead derivatives Infertility, miscarriage, low birth weight, developmental disorders Minimize or eliminate exposure while pregnant and breastfeeding
Mercury/Mercury derivatives Spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, reduced fertility, low birth weight Minimize exposure while pregnant and breastfeeding
Nickel Spontaneous abortion, reduced fertility, stillbirth, developmental toxicity Minimize exposure while pregnant
Arsenic Miscarriages and stillbirth Minimize exposure while pregnant
Manganese Spontaneous abortion, reduced fertility, stillbirth, developmental toxicity Minimize exposure while pregnant
Formaldehyde Miscarriages Work in well ventilated area with proper PPE
Organic solvents (Toluene, Carbon Disulfide, Carbon Tetrachloride, Styrene, Benzene, Xylene) Spontaneous abortion, birth defects, miscarriage, low birth weight Use proper respiratory protection or eliminate exposure while pregnant
Ethylene oxide (EtO) Miscarriages If used to sterilize medical equipment and supplies, use proper respiratory protection or eliminate exposure completely.
Glycol ethers Miscarriages Use proper respiratory protection in well-ventilated area
Carbon Monoxide Can starve the fetus of oxygen, neurological and growth defects Avoid or strictly control exposure
CHEMICAL EXPOSURES
Anesthetic Gases Spontaneous abortion Use proper respiratory protection
Antineoplastic Drugs (cancer treatment drugs) Spontaneous abortion, infertility, development of the fetus Minimize or eliminate exposure while pregnant
Pesticides Infertility, spontaneous abortions, congenital defects, pre-maturity Wear rubber gloves, limit exposure
PHYSICAL AGENTS
Noise Low birth weight, developmental disorders, miscarriages, birth defects, pre-term birth Should avoid or limit exposure to loud noise. Reduce noise levels if possible
Ionizing Radiation Infertility, miscarriage, birth defects, low birth weight, developmental disorders, childhood cancers Minimize or completely avoid exposure while pregnant and breastfeeding
Non-ionizing Electromagnetic Radiation Extreme overexposure to radio-frequency radiation could cause harm by raising body temperature Exposure should not exceed limits listed in 29 CFR 1910.97
Extreme cold and heat Miscarriages, pre-term delivery.  Breastfeeding may be impaired by heat dehydration. Environments should be avoided.
Shock, vibration or movement Miscarriage, pre-term delivery, low birth weight Avoid work that likely to involve uncomfortable whole body vibration, especially at low frequencies.  Also where the abdomen is exposed to shock or jolts.
ERGONOMIC FACTORS
Heavy Lifting Low birth weight, pre-term delivery, spontaneous abortion Avoid tasks that require lifting heavy objects
Awkward Postures Pre-term delivery, spontaneous abortion Adjustable workstation, proper chair
Prolonged standing or sitting Miscarriage late in pregnancy, premature delivery Stand less than 3 hours/day. Walking in moderation is beneficial. Adjustable workstation
BIOLOGICAL AGENTS
Hepatitis B virus Low birth weight Vaccination
HIV Low birth weight, childhood cancer Practice universal precautions
Rubella Birth defects, low birth weight Vaccination before pregnancy if no prior immunity
Chicken Pox Birth defects, low birth weight Vaccination before pregnancy if no prior immunity
Tuberculosis Can be transferred to child through the placenta or during breastfeeding, Low birth weight Avoid exposure if risk is high otherwise use proper PPE
Herpes Simplex I and II Can be transferred to child through the placenta or during breastfeeding Avoid exposure if risk is high otherwise use proper PPE
Parvovirus B19 Severe anemia for unborn baby. Miscarriage Avoid exposure if risk is high otherwise use proper PPE
Syphilis Can be transferred to child through the placenta or during breastfeeding Avoid exposure if risk is high otherwise use proper PPE
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Low birth weight, congenital defects, developmental disorders Practice good personal hygiene such as hand washing
*See Zoonotic Diseases and Pregnancy table for additional Biological agents.  This is not all-inclusive list of occupational risks just a general guideline.  Please consult the UW Madison occupational safety officer or personal care physician for more information.