Pregnancy outcome after risk assessment of occupational exposure to organic solvents: a prospective cohort study.
A rational medical, occupational and toxicological approach is instrumental to select objectively among pregnant women exposed to chemicals at the workplace those who should be withdrawn or benefit from improvements of working conditions. Risk assessment is based on a comprehensive review of compounds' hazards and a thorough evaluation of the actual exposure including biomonitoring whenever as possible. Since 1996, the Lyon Poison Center has been conducting a prospective follow-up of pregnant women exposed to chemicals at the workplace. Of these, 206 exposed to organic solvents since conception were selected and matched with 206 exposed to a non-embryotoxic agent. Total withdrawal from the workplace was recommended in 22% of cases, but exposure was not considered to be hazardous to pregnancy in 51%. Overall, no increase in adverse outcomes was found. Maintaining pregnant women at their workplace, particularly most of the laboratory technicians, is reasonably possible after careful toxicological risk assessment.
Testud
François
F
Poison Center and Pharmacovigilance Department, Lyon University Hospitals, Lyon, France. francois.testud@chu-lyon.fr
D'Amico
Andrea
A
Lambert-Chhum
Rachel
R
Garayt
Christelle
C
Descotes
Jacques
J
D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D018811:Maternal Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000633:toxicity*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012997:Solvents / Q000633:toxicity*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017132:Workplace / Q000592:standards
D009930:Organic Chemicals; D012997:Solvents