Safety and Health Topics: Reproductive Hazards

Occupational Safety & Health Administration

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	Reproductive Hazards
	Possible Solutions

Workplace implementation of engineering controls and work practice guidelines may help reduce or prevent exposures to reproductive hazards. Employees should participate in all safety and health education, training, and monitoring programs offered by their employers. Training includes; proper work practices, engineering controls, and personal protective equipment (i.e., gloves, respirators, and personal protective clothing) that may be used to reduce exposures to hazardous substances. The following references provide information on possible solutions for hazards associated with reproductive health.

Hospital. OSHA eTool. The following modules help health care workers recognize and control hazards associated with reproductive health:
- Central Supply Module
  - Exposure to Ethylene Oxide Gas (EtO)
- Pharmacy Module
  - Hazardous Drugs During Preparation, Administration, and Care Giving

The Effects of Workplace Hazards on Female Reproductive Health. US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 99-104, (1999, February). Addresses exposure, prevention, and reproductive hazards for female workers and their unborn babies.
The Effects of Workplace Hazards on Male Reproductive Health. US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 96-132, (1997, January 23). Identifies steps to reduce or prevent workplace exposures to reproductive hazards.
Decreasing the Chance of Birth Defects. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), (1997, September). Identifies potential reproductive hazards and solutions to help prevent birth defects.

Ethylene Oxide

Ethylene Oxide. OSHA Fact Sheet, (1995, January 1), 47 KB PDF^*, 2 pages. Provides exposure hazards including reproductive hazards with safety measures and controls outlined by the ethylene oxide standard.
Ethylene Oxide Sterilizers in Health Care Facilities: Engineering Controls and Work Practices. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Current Intelligence Bulletin 52, (1989, July 13). Describes exposure control methods for sterilizers, including Work Practice Guidelines, available to copy and post by sterilizers, supply cylinders, and mechanical access rooms.
For additional information on ethylene oxide, see OSHA's Ethylene Oxide Safety and Health Topics Page.

Hazardous Drugs

OSHA Technical Manual (OTM). OSHA Directive TED 01-00-015 [TED 1-0.15A], (1999, January 20).
- Controlling Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Drugs. Describes management and controls of reproductive toxicity from hazardous drugs.
Preventing Occupational Exposure to Antineoplastic and Other Hazardous Drugs in Health Care Settings. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 2004-165, (2004, September). Also available as a 3 MB PDF, 58 pages. Increases awareness among healthcare workers and their employers about the health risks posed by working with hazardous drugs and to provide them with measures for protecting their health.
For additional information on hazardous drugs, see OSHA's Hazardous Drugs Safety and Health Topics Page.

Nitrous Oxide

Anesthetic Gases: Guidelines for Workplace Exposures. OSHA, (2000, May 18). Provides preventive measures to help minimize hazards including reproductive hazards from exposure to anesthetic gases.
Controlling Exposures to Nitrous Oxide During Anesthetic Administration. US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 94-100 (Alert), (1994). Presents control measures for preventing or greatly reducing exposure to nitrous oxide during the administration of anesthetic gas.
NIOSH Warns: Nitrous Oxide Continues to Threaten Health Care Workers. US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 94-118, (1994, June 14). Warns health professionals that scavenging systems need to be continuously monitored and maintained to effectively reduce exposure to nitrous oxide.

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Content Reviewed 08/07/2007

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