Occupational risk factors and reproductive health of women
Department of Hygiene and Industrial Health, University of Rome ‘La Sapienza’, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
Background This in-depth review summarizes and interprets the available recent epidemiologic evidence on the relationship between occupational exposures and negative reproductive outcome among women workers.
Methods The studies examined by the review include those published in the international scientific literature since 1990, and were identified through the search of relevant data banks using selected keywords.
Results From the examination of studies dealing with exposures of women to chemical agents, pesticides, physical agents, ergonomic factors and stress, it appears that at present the evidence is sufficient to warrant the maximum protection of pregnant women to several well-documented occupational risk factors. These include exposures to anaesthetic gases, antineoplastic drugs, heavy metals, solvents, heavy physical work and irregular work schedules. For other work risks, such as exposure to non-ionizing radiation and psychosocial work stress, the evidence is often suggestive but not conclusive.
Conclusions Policy makers and health professionals should advise women and employers to avoid exposure to the well-known occupational risk factors, while epidemiologic research should pursue methodological improvements and provide more insight into the magnitude of exposures responsible for detrimental effects.
Keywords Chemical exposures; ergonomic factors; female reproduction; infertility; occupation; pesticides; physical agents; pregnancy; spontaneous abortion; stress
Correspondence to: Irene Figà-Talamanca, Department of Hygiene and Industrial Health, University of Rome ‘La Sapienza’, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy. e-mail: irene.figatalamanca{at}uniroma1.it
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  B. E. Moen Our work and its effects on our children Occup. Med., September 1, 2007; 57(6): 393 - 395. [Full Text] [PDF]
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