Reproductive Hazards
Overview
Exposure to reproductive hazards in the workplace is an increasing health concern. Reproductive hazards are substances or agents that may affect the reproductive health of women or men or the ability of couples to have healthy children. These hazards may cause problems such as infertility, miscarriage, and birth defects.
Standards
OSHA has standards specific to chemicals such as lead; 1, 2-Dibromo-3 Chloropropane; and ethylene oxide that are known to have an adverse effect on the reproductive system.
Hazard Recognition
Provides general information about recognizing hazards in the workplace related to the reproductive system.
Additional Resources
Provides links and references to additional resources related to reproductive hazards.
This topics page is not a standard or regulation and it creates no new legal obligations. It contains recommendations as well as descriptions of mandatory safety and health standards. The recommendations are advisory in nature, informational in content and are intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to comply with safety and health standards and regulations promulgated by OSHA or by a state with an OSHA-approved state plan. In addition, the Act’s General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1), requires employers to provide their employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm.