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Chemicals

Dangerous Chemical Pregnant Women Should Avoid 

Everyday in workplaces across the country, American workers are exposed to thousands of chemicals. Fortunately, these substances usually pose no threat when used under controlled circumstances.

Some chemicals, however, are so toxic that even strict adherence to safety protocols can't provide complete protection. In other cases, disregard for safety rules or improper handling of toxic chemicals place workers at risk for serious work-related illnesses and injuries. Among the most tragic results of workplace exposure to dangerous chemicals are birth injuries suffered by a developing fetus in a mother's womb.

Silent Victims

One out of every 33 babies in the U.S. is born with some type of birth defect. While the cause of injury is unknown in most cases, studies have linked some serious birth injuries to workplace exposure to certain chemicals.

According to one study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, women who are exposed to organic solvents at work are 13 times more likely than unexposed mothers to have a baby born with major defects.

Workplace Chemicals and Associated Risks

Fumes from noxious chemicals in an expectant mother's workplace can travel through the placenta to affect the unborn fetus, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. The following graph lists a few of the more widely recognized toxic workplace chemicals, their potential effects on developing fetuses, and some of the occupations associated with their use.

Often times women can be exposed to these chemicals and not even know it. Start the process of getting your birth injury legal questions answered.