Teratology: the biological study of birth defects
Given the makeup of the 21st century workforce in America, almost every workplace has female employees who are pregnant, and in many industries they can be working with substances that may cause them to have health questions. And if we add in the employees—women and men—who are planning a pregnancy, the number of people with potential concerns about their exposures grows even larger.
These employees, as well as their healthcare providers, have an information resource at their fingertips: the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS)1. Through a national toll-free phone number linked to one of 12 state programs, OTIS provides “accurate evidence-based, clinical information about exposures during pregnancy and lactation.”
The OTIS website includes Fact Sheets (in English and Spanish) that present the risk of exposures to specific substances2. Listed by categories (medications, vaccines, herbal products, etc.), the Fact Sheets clearly define the substance and identify known side effects, scientific studies related to pregnancy, and effects on fathers.
A question may not always have a research-based answer, but 866-626-OTIS gives Iowans access to this special area of expertise.
Other resources:
Workplace Hazards to Reproduction and Development: A Resource for Workers, Employers, Health Care Providers, and Health & Safety Personnel summary full report
The Effects of Workplace Hazards on Female Reproductive Health (NIOSH Publication)
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