More than 1,000 workplace chemicals have been shown to have reproductive effects on animals, most have not been studied in humans. There are over 72 million unique chemicals registered by the American Chemical Society, with about 15,000 new substances added every day, most of which are not tested for reproductive health effects.
Female reproductive hazards in the workplace act on the tissues, eggs, and hormones that comprise the intricate female reproductive system. a reproductive hazard that alters your estrogen and progesterone production can also reduce your general health.
Below are some of the nasties which effect the female body and can reduce fertility and health of a growing unborn foetus.
- Dibutyl Phthalates
- polychlorinated biphenyl
- Glycol ethers
- Methyl ethyl ketone
- Xylene
- Toluene
- Pesticide
- Heavy Metals – Mercury, Lead, Arsenic and cadmium
If the above chemicals you are regularly come into contact with throughout your day or workplace then you need to carefully think how you can remove those exposures. If a workplace is exposing you to these chemicals your WHS manager needs to contact a Occupational Hygienist to carry out air testing to observe the current levels you are experiencing. Occupational Matters Occupational Hygienist is happy to meet onsite to discuss testing options. www.occmatters.com.au