Epidemiologic approaches to reproductive hazards of the workplace

Journal Article · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1982 · Birth Defects, Orig. Artic. Ser.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6706781

Sever, L E

In discussing studies of environmental factors in the causation of birth defects, R.W. Smithells stated at the Fifth International Conference on Birth Defects, it is time we paid a little more attention to the occupational hazards of parents of both sexes. Clearly, on the basis of current interest and activity, the time has come - and the time is now. Important issues contributing to the recent dramatic increase in discussions of potential reproductive hazards of the workplace include legal and sociopolitical factors, increasing knowledge about environmental health hazards, and an appreciation of the susceptibility of the fetus to noxious agents. When coupled with the recognition of carcinogens in the workplace, relationships noted between carcinogenicity and teratogenicity, and an increase in teratologic testing, the stage is set for a flurry of regulatory and research activities regarding occupational reproductive hazards. Much of the current concern grows not out of studies showing major risks but, rather from a lack of knowledge; necessary are epidemiologic studies of worker populations. Although many arguments can be, and have been, made about the relative importance of teratologic and epidemiologic studies, it is clear that animal teratology cannot provide definitive answers to problems of human reproductive health. Thus, both teratologic and epidemiologic data must be obtained and evaluated. We discuss here epidemiologic approaches to studying effects of embryonic-fetal exposure. We consider study designs used, some of the pregnancy outcomes of concern, determining exposures, and regulatory activities.

• DOE Contract Number: AC06-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 6706781
• Journal Information: Birth Defects, Orig. Artic. Ser.; (United States), Journal Name: Birth Defects, Orig. Artic. Ser.; (United States) Vol. 18:3A; ISSN BTHDA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560306* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Man-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
EPIDEMIOLOGY
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
HUMAN POPULATIONS
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES
POPULATIONS
PREGNANCY
REGULATIONS
REPRODUCTION
TERATOGENESIS