Reproductive hazards: an overview of exposures to health care workers. NLM AIDSLINE Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1996. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

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Reproductive hazards: an overview of exposures to health care workers.

AAOHN J. 1995 Dec;43(12):614-21. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/96327996
Shortridge-McCauley LA

Abstract: 1. Anesthetic gases, particularly nitrous oxide, have been investigated for potential reproductive, mutagenic, and carcinogenic effects. Waste gases have been found in high concentrations, even with work settings with scavenger systems in place. 2. Antineoplastic drugs, commonly used to treat persons with cancer, are virtually all considered to be embryo-fetal toxic. OSHA has issued comprehensive guidelines covering staff training, handling practices, and use of protective equipment. 3. The toxic effect of non-ionizing radiation has been a frequent topic of public and scientific debate. At this time no evidence exists of a reproductive hazard to health care workers. 4. Biologic agents such as rubella, hepatitis, cytomegalovirus, varicella, and human immunodeficiency virus frequently have the potential for adverse effects on the fetus. Administration of a vaccine or care of patients with active infection may be contraindicated in pregnancy.
Keywords: Female *Health Personnel Human Male *Occupational Exposure Occupational Health Nursing Pregnancy *Reproduction JOURNAL ARTICLE REVIEW REVIEW, TUTORIALKWDfemaleKWDhealthpersonnelhumanmaleKWDoccupationalexposureoccupationalhealthnursingpregnancyKWDreproductionjournalarticlereviewreview,tutorial
961130
M96B1893

Copyright © 1996 - National Library of Medicine. Reproduced under license with the National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD.

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