Is it safe to work in a chemistry lab while pregnant?


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By using prudent work practices, most laboratory workers who are pregnant or planning pregnancy can work safely in research laboratories without exposing themselves or the fetus to potentially harmful chemicals.

What should be avoided in chemistry laboratory?

Keep your hands away from your face, eyes, mouth, and body while using chemicals. Food and drink, open or closed, should never be brought into the labora- tory or chemical storage area. Never use laboratory glassware for eating or drinking purposes. Do not apply cosmetics while in the laboratory or storage area.

What chemical health hazard is most harmful to someone who is pregnant?

Lead. While lead poses problems for everyone, unborn babies and young children are at the greatest risk. Studies have shown that exposure to high levels of lead during pregnancy may potentially cause problems such as miscarriage, preterm delivery, low birth weight, and, in some cases, developmental delays in infants.

What chemical can damage developing fetus?

Polychlorinated biphenyls, also known as PCBs, are shown to cause fetal growth restriction and skin discolouration. X-rays can cause problems with fetal development, such as spina bifida, cleft palate, blindness, abnormalities of the arms and legs, or microcephaly, which is a condition where the brain is too small.

Is liquid nitrogen safe during pregnancy?

Over-the-counter preparations that have salicylic acid are considered safe. For cases that require a doctor’s treatment, liquid nitrogen is the treatment of choice during pregnancy.

Does xylene cause birth defects?

Prolonged maternal exposure to hydrocarbon (organic) solvents such as xylene during pregnancy has been shown, in one study, to increase the risk of spontaneous abortion, however there is no clear evidence for an increased risk of congenital malformations.

What are 5 safety precautions for a laboratory?

  • No Food or Drink.
  • Wear Your PPE and Proper Lab Attire.
  • Good Hygiene.
  • Use Proper Storage Containers.
  • Label Your Work Space.
  • Don’t Work Alone.
  • Stay Focused and Aware of Your Surroundings.
  • Participate in Safety Exercises.

What are 5 precautions that must be taken before beginning an experiment?

  • Wash hands.
  • Remove any jewelry.
  • Tie back long hair.
  • Wear proper clothing (no loose clothes, close-toed shoes, long pants and sleeves)
  • Wear safety googles and gloves.

What are the 5 most important lab safety rules?

  • Dress appropriately.
  • Keep a tidy lab.
  • Know your lab safety symbols.
  • Handle chemical spills properly.
  • Know your safety equipment.
  • Test your skills in our Lab Safety simulation.

What harmful substances can pass from mother to baby?

Tobacco, alcohol and drugs can have harmful effects on anyone’s health. When a pregnant or nursing woman uses these substances, her baby also is exposed to them, for all substances cross the placenta through the umbilical cord and enter into the baby’s bloodstream.

Is it safe to work with acetone while pregnant?

As with all chemicals, unnecessary exposure to acetone in pregnancy should be avoided. However, where occupational exposure is unavoidable, precautions should be taken to ensure that exposure is well within the recommended exposure limits and not associated with toxic symptoms.

Can strong chemical smells affect pregnancy?

Avoid pesticides, household cleaners, and paint. Fumes from these substances can be harmful to a baby, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. Use chemical-free cleaning alternatives while you’re pregnant. If you must use chemical cleaners, wear gloves, ventilate the area, and avoid inhaling fumes.

What substances cause birth defects?

  • ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors.
  • angiotensin II antagonist.
  • isotretinoin (an acne drug)
  • alcohol.
  • cocaine.
  • high doses of vitamin A.
  • lithium.
  • male hormones.

What can accidentally cause a miscarriage?

  • Infection.
  • Exposure to TORCH diseases.
  • Hormonal imbalances.
  • Improper implantation of fertilized egg in your uterine lining.
  • How old you are.
  • Uterine abnormalities.
  • Incompetent cervix (your cervix begins to open too early in pregnancy).

What birth defects are caused by solvents?

Thirteen of the babies born to mothers who said they had been exposed to organic solvents had major birth defects, including congenital deafness, club foot and spina bifida; almost all of the women whose babies had these more serious birth defects had reported symptoms of exposure.

Is it safe to use salicylic acid while pregnant?

Yes, people can safely apply products containing salicylic acid once or twice a day during pregnancy. Cleansers and toners commonly include this ingredient. However, doctors recommended using products containing salicylic acid no stronger than 2 percent. Salicylic acid is a type of beta hydroxy acid (BHA).

What birth defects are caused by nitrous oxide?

So far, no adverse effects to mother or fetus have been demonstrated in clinical practice. However, preterm fetuses are susceptible to intracranial hemorrhage, and the cerebral hyperemia by nitrous oxide might increase the risk of hemorrhage in these fetuses.

Does nitric oxide affect pregnancy?

During pregnancy, nitric oxide levels maintain a healthy flow of blood to the baby. When NO levels in the placenta are reduced or the NO is blocked from doing its work the risk of pre-eclampsia can occur.

Can you work with epoxy resin while pregnant?

Working with or exposure to certain epoxies or resins could increase your chances of having fertility problems, miscarriage, stillbirth, or a baby with birth defects. Here, you can learn more about these chemicals and what you can do to reduce your exposure for a healthier pregnancy.

Can the smell of bleach harm my baby?

small droplets that can be inhaled into the lungs by the staff and children. Children are at greater risk from breathing bleach vapors because their lungs are still developing. Bleach can irritate the skin and eyes.

Can I use stain while pregnant?

Refinishing furniture can expose you to solvents that may have risks for your baby. These solvents might be in the old finish you sand off or the new stain, polyurethane, or paint that you apply.

What precautions we should take while working in chemistry lab?

  • Know locations of laboratory safety showers, eyewashstations, and fire extinguishers.
  • Know emergency exit routes.
  • Avoid skin and eye contact with all chemicals.
  • Minimize all chemical exposures.
  • No horseplay will be tolerated.
  • Assume that all chemicals of unknown toxicity are highly toxic.

What are the 10 laboratory safety rules?

  • of 10. The Most Important Lab Safety Rule.
  • of 10. Know the Location of Safety Equipment.
  • of 10. Dress for the Lab.
  • of 10. Don’t Eat or Drink in the Laboratory.
  • of 10. Don’t Taste or Sniff Chemicals.
  • of 10. Don’t Play Mad Scientist in the Laboratory.
  • of 10. Dispose of Lab Waste Properly.
  • of 10.

What are the risks in a laboratory?

  • Fire/Explosions. In a laboratory, all chemicals and liquids should be treated as if they are as potent as gasoline.
  • Thermal and Chemical Burns.
  • Skin Absorption of Chemicals.
  • Inhalation of Toxic Fumes.
  • Cuts to the Skin.

Which part of the body should a student avoid touching during a lab?

Do not touch your face, eyes, or mouth while in laboratory. If you must do so, first wash your hands.

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