Reproductive Health and Your Work at MIT
The EHS Office is committed to ensuring your health and safety while you perform important work as a part of the MIT community. If you are pregnant, considering pregnancy, or already have a family, our commitment to a safe work environment extends to your reproductive health as well as the health of your family.
MIT has designed its labs and workplaces to control exposures to hazardous material. If you have a concern about your work and health, you can contact:
MIT Health Occupational Health
The MIT Health Occupational Health (phone: 617-253-8552) is available for consultations about reproductive health concerns related to your job or research. The consults are free to the MIT community, whether you are an employee or student. Contact the MIT Health Department. All medical evaluations are kept strictly confidential.
Environment Health and Safety Office (EHS)
EHS Office is available for evaluation of different workplace factors that may affect reproductive health. These might include chemicals, biologicals, radiation and physical stressors like heat noise, and ergonomic issues.
Request for evaluations at 617-452-3477 or environment@mit.edu.
- Take all required training before beginning work
- Perform a job hazard analysis and understand the hazards
- Ask your PI, supervisor, DLCI EHS Coordinator or the EHS Office if there are any potential hazards related to your specific job tasks and what protections are currently in place for workers.
- Review Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).
- Review lab-specific standard operating procedures (SOPs) for handling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials.
- Protect yourself from exposure
Follow the recommended control measures in SDSs and SOPs to minimize exposure. - If your work processes require PPE such as gloves, hearing protection, a respirator, or a labcoat, make sure you are using them consistently and correctly. Remember to check your PPE before using it to make sure it is functioning properly. Remove gloves and dispose of properly, followed by proper handwashing techniques
- If your work involves the use and potential contact with hazardous materials, avoid skin contact and remember to wash your hands after removing your gloves, before eating, and before leaving work.
- Talk to your doctor or health care professional
Have a conversation with your health care professional if you are concerned about your health, or if you and your partner are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Include:- The kind of work you perform.
- What kinds of hazards are in your workplace (e.g., chemicals, noise, heat, working night shifts, lifting heavy objects, etc.).
- If there is anything specific you are worried about or have questions about.
- Ask your healthcare professional if there is any part of your job you should avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy begins with the successful union of sperm and egg, a process called fertilization. Once fertilized, the egg begins to rapidly divide into multiple cells before implanting in the lining of the uterus between days 6-10 post-conception. The growing embryo becomes a fetus around the 8th week and continues a rapid pace of development up until delivery day.
Pregnancy is typically divided into 3 trimesters though it is helpful to also consider the pre-conception and post-partum periods as they relate to reproductive health.
Pre-Conception (before fertilization occurs)
This is an exciting time for would-be families as plans are made for pregnancy. In addition to following recommendations provided by a primary care physician, it is important that MIT employees take steps to minimize the risk of inadvertent exposure to hazards in their workplace which result in reproductive health outcomes such as decreased fertility (males and females).
First Trimester (conception through 13 weeks):
The first trimester of pregnancy is often considered the most critical as it includes the first 8 weeks during which the embryo is developing all of its organs and is, therefore, is most susceptible to reproductive toxins in the maternal environment. These toxins, termed teratogens, may lead to adverse reproductive health effects including miscarriages, congenital malformations, and developmental delays in the child. It is important to note that miscarriages in this stage of pregnancy are common and many occur without a known cause. Early pregnancy loss occurs in roughly 1 in 10 pregnancies with increased risk associated with certain factors such as advanced maternal age, maternal tobacco use, and maternal conditions like obesity
Second Trimester (14 weeks through 27 weeks)
The second trimester is characterized by rapid growth of your baby’s newly developed organ systems. Chemicals such as heavy metals or solvents can exert a toxic effect on the developing fetus much like the effects seen in adults. These fetotoxic effects are often greater than what is observed in the mother due to how these chemicals are absorbed and concentrated in the placenta. Other hazards such as infectious agents and radiation used for research purposes can pose additional risks to a developing baby which may result in spontaneous abortions, premature delivery, congenital malformations, and even cancers later in life.
Third Trimester (28 weeks to birth):
In the third trimester, your baby has developed all of its organs is now beginning a slow but steady weight gain as its organs continue to mature until they are ready when it comes time for that first breath. During this trimester, the health of the unborn baby is even more intimately connected with the mother’s health. At this time, physical hazards such as trauma, over-exertion, or environments with hot ambient air heat are of particular concern as their effects on the mother can cause adverse outcomes in the unborn baby such as spontaneous abortions or early labor. Please contact MIT Health to set up an appointment to discuss any concerns you might have regarding your pregnancy status and the physical requirements of your job.
Postpartum (following the birth of the child):
As the pre-conception period is full of expectation and planning, the time after the baby is born is also full of joy. You may also experience challenges in establishing a new normal as you adopt to life with a newborn. Some of the same hazards which may influence reproductive health before and during pregnancy may exert negative effects after pregnancy, particularly through breastmilk though absorption through the skin from direct contact is also possible. Whether you plan on breastfeeding or formula-feeding your baby, it is important that you continue following the same precautions for risk mitigation in your workplace. Again, we’d be happy to talk with you about any questions or concerns you might have.
The OSHA Laboratory Standard defines Particularly Hazardous Substances (PHSs) as chemicals that are select carcinogens, reproductive toxins and substances which have a high degree of acute toxicity. Particularly hazardous substances (PHSs) are a subset of hazardous chemicals that is regulated more stringently because they have been deemed to pose a substantially greater risk. Because of this, OSHA requires additional precautions and procedures be undertaken when particularly hazardous substances are used in the laboratory.
Refer to Particularly Hazardous Substances (PHS) page and Chemical Hygiene Plan (Part II. Section 3.1 to 3.3) for the procedures to handle particularly hazardous substances.
Under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS 2012), reproductive toxins are categorized as either known or presumed human reproductive toxicants (Category 1) or suspected human reproductive toxicants (Category 2). Category 1 is subdivided based on whether the evidence for classification is mostly from human or animal data. Effects on or via lactation are classified in a single separate category.
GHS Pictogram for health hazards including reproductive toxicity
The following chemicals are suspected to be reproductive toxins:
- Arsenic and certain arsenic compounds
- Benzene
- Cadmium and certain cadmium compounds
- Carbon disulfide
- Ethylene glycol monomethyl and ethyl ethers
- Ethylene oxide
- Lead compounds
- Mercury compounds
- N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP). Consider switching to greener chemical alternative – Cyrene
- Toluene
- Vinyl chloride
- Xylene
The above list is not intended to be complete. Refer to GHS hazard statements in SDSs to evaluate if the chemical has been found to have reproductive health effects:
- H340: May cause genetic defects
- H341: Suspected of causing genetic defects
- H360: May damage fertility or the unborn child
- H361: Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child
- H361d: Suspected of damaging the unborn child
- H362: May cause harm to breastfed children
Radiation hazards include ionizing radiation, such as X-rays and radiation from radioisotopes, and nonionizing radiation, such as microwave or radiofrequency (RF) radiation. Most radiation hazards are external and therefore the woman’s body provides significant shielding. Additional shielding can be provided to further reduce the hazard. Radiation hazards are extremely well studied and are typically minimal, despite alarming anecdotes to the contrary.
Small doses of ionizing radiation, typical in research settings and diagnostic procedures, are unlikely to cause any effect on the fetus. These levels of radiation exposure are a fraction of the radiation exposure individuals receive from natural background sources. Large doses (greater than 10 rad), as might result from radiation therapy or nuclear medicine, can slightly increase the risk of fetal death or malformation.
Nonionizing radiation, such as RF or microwave radiation from cell phones and other wireless devices, does not have any effect on a developing fetus. This type of radiation cannot damage cells and only affects the body by depositing heat. The byproduct heat can reduce male fertility if the temperature of the testes is elevated for a long period of time, however, occupational limits are set low enough that no tissue heating should occur.
Electromagnetic Fields (EMF)
Until the early 1970s, when manufacturers implemented EMF standards, there were concerns about large electromagnetic fields produced by computer monitors. Recent epidemiological studies (1994-1996) fail to support an association between occupational exposure to video display units and reproductive effects.
A biological reproductive hazard is any biological agent including bacteria, viruses, parasites, molds yeasts and naturally occurring toxins that may affect the reproductive health of women or men or could harm the development of a fetus or a child. As a reminder Principal Investigators must be registered with the Committee on the Assessment of Biohazards (CAB/ESCRO) (certificates required) before starting to work with biological agents and toxins.
Some workplace exposures are not hazardous substances, but they may still affect reproductive health. Some examples of these exposures are:
Climbing will not normally affect the unborn child (assuming that a physician has approved this activity for the mother) but the mother may experience dizzy spells and be more prone to loss of balance. Balance can become a significant problem in late pregnancy since the size of the unborn child forces the center of gravity farther back and away from a ladder thus requiring greater strength to climb and maintain balance. Pregnant women who must climb ladders regularly should discuss with their supervisors about job accommodation and inform their doctors.
Prolonged sitting can be uncomfortable due to increased body weight. Intersperse duties to allow frequent changes in position and to avoid prolonged sitting.
Working in a cold environment may pose a slight risk. A woman’s tolerance for hot environments may be lower than normal during pregnancy causing fatigue or fainting in addition to other risks posed by working in thermally extreme environments.
Standing may affect development by restricting the mother’s blood circulation. Lifting and heavy exertion may produce increased, potentially hazardous abdominal pressure. Both of these results may endanger fetal circulation and lead to early birth and low birth weight.
Increased noise levels can cause stress. This can cause changes in a pregnant woman’s body that can affect her developing baby. Sound can travel through your body and reach your baby. Although this sound will be muffled in the womb, very loud noises may still be able to damage your baby’s hearing.
According to the CDC, working at night, during typical sleeping hours, can alter the circadian rhythm, which regulates the menstrual cycle and pregnancy hormones. Shift work and long working hours have been associated with menstrual disorders, miscarriages, and preterm birth. Women who work at night, or who work long hours, often do not get enough sleep. The health effects of long or irregular work schedules may also be partly due to stress. We don’t know what amount of night shifts or how many hours per week are safest to work during pregnancy. It’s a good idea to discuss your concerns related to the night shift, rotating shift work, and long hours with MIT Occupational Health and/or your primary care provider to make informed individualized recommendations.
If you are unsure of whether any reproductive-related hazards exist in your workspace, you may contact us to schedule a lab walkthrough where a member of EHS can help to identify hazards. Additionally, you may be able to determine the presence of hazards through reviewing chemical Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and the lab
- You can contact your primary doctor to discuss these.
- You can contact MIT Health or EHS to find out if any additional PPE or other remediation methods are needed.
- Review chemical Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
If applicable, you may speak with your supervisor if you feel comfortable doing so
Anytime during the family planning process is a good time to ask for help, including prior to becoming pregnant, during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or while taking care of a small child
We take great care to ensure that your privacy is protected. Only the person that you reach out to will know of your identity. We will never share your identity with anyone else without your express permission. We follow HIPAA guidelines.
Not necessarily, but it depends on the materials that you work with. If your job entails work that does not require respirator use, then it is unlikely that wearing a respirator would make any difference while pregnant. If you have concerns about whether to wear a respirator to conduct your work, please feel free to email us with the details of your work and the materials that you are using/concerned with and we can verify whether a respirator is necessary.
Please send us an email and we will do the best we can to provide help. Members of EHS and Medical may work together to provide the most comprehensive feedback possible. Remember, we take every measure to protect your privacy and your personal information is kept confidential beyond your initial email to us. We will not contact anyone, including supervisors, without your express permission.
You may request a confidential “walk through” a lab/workspace if you want help with hazard identification and management.
- The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) – Information about the rights related to reproductive health in the workplace.
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – United States Department of Labor provides information on reproductive health in the workplace.
- California Office of Environmental Health and Hazard Assessment Proposition 65
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) – A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agency that provides information on natural and man-made hazardous substances.
- Physicians for Social Responsibility – Factsheet on prevention of toxic exposure.
- National Institute of Environment Health Sciences (NIEHS) – Information on environmental factors that may affect human reproductive health.
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment – University of California San Francisco webpage on reproductive health with good resources and information
- Pregnancy and Radiation Exposure: A factsheet on radiation exposure during pregnancy prepared by the Health Physics Society.
- Pregnancy Exposure Hotline: 1-800-322-5014. This group is affiliated with The National Birth Defects Center in Waltham, MA and provides information, at no cost, on potential pregnancy risks from exposure to medications, chemicals, infections, radiation, and other agents.
Reproductive Health and Your Work at MIT
The EHS Office is committed to ensuring your health and safety while you perform important work as a part of the MIT community. If you are pregnant, considering pregnancy, or already have a family, our commitment to a safe work environment extends to your reproductive health as well as the health of your family.
MIT has designed its labs and workplaces to control exposures to hazardous material. If you have a concern about your work and health, you can contact:
MIT Health Occupational Health
The MIT Health Occupational Health (phone: 617-253-8552) is available for consultations about reproductive health concerns related to your job or research. The consults are free to the MIT community, whether you are an employee or student. Contact the MIT Health Department. All medical evaluations are kept strictly confidential.
Environment Health and Safety Office (EHS)
EHS Office is available for evaluation of different workplace factors that may affect reproductive health. These might include chemicals, biologicals, radiation and physical stressors like heat noise, and ergonomic issues.
Request for evaluations at 617-452-3477 or environment@mit.edu.
- Take all required training before beginning work
- Perform a job hazard analysis and understand the hazards
- Ask your PI, supervisor, DLCI EHS Coordinator or the EHS Office if there are any potential hazards related to your specific job tasks and what protections are currently in place for workers.
- Review Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).
- Review lab-specific standard operating procedures (SOPs) for handling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials.
- Protect yourself from exposure
Follow the recommended control measures in SDSs and SOPs to minimize exposure. - If your work processes require PPE such as gloves, hearing protection, a respirator, or a labcoat, make sure you are using them consistently and correctly. Remember to check your PPE before using it to make sure it is functioning properly. Remove gloves and dispose of properly, followed by proper handwashing techniques
- If your work involves the use and potential contact with hazardous materials, avoid skin contact and remember to wash your hands after removing your gloves, before eating, and before leaving work.
- Talk to your doctor or health care professional
Have a conversation with your health care professional if you are concerned about your health, or if you and your partner are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Include:- The kind of work you perform.
- What kinds of hazards are in your workplace (e.g., chemicals, noise, heat, working night shifts, lifting heavy objects, etc.).
- If there is anything specific you are worried about or have questions about.
- Ask your healthcare professional if there is any part of your job you should avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy begins with the successful union of sperm and egg, a process called fertilization. Once fertilized, the egg begins to rapidly divide into multiple cells before implanting in the lining of the uterus between days 6-10 post-conception. The growing embryo becomes a fetus around the 8th week and continues a rapid pace of development up until delivery day.
Pregnancy is typically divided into 3 trimesters though it is helpful to also consider the pre-conception and post-partum periods as they relate to reproductive health.
Pre-Conception (before fertilization occurs)
This is an exciting time for would-be families as plans are made for pregnancy. In addition to following recommendations provided by a primary care physician, it is important that MIT employees take steps to minimize the risk of inadvertent exposure to hazards in their workplace which result in reproductive health outcomes such as decreased fertility (males and females).
First Trimester (conception through 13 weeks):
The first trimester of pregnancy is often considered the most critical as it includes the first 8 weeks during which the embryo is developing all of its organs and is, therefore, is most susceptible to reproductive toxins in the maternal environment. These toxins, termed teratogens, may lead to adverse reproductive health effects including miscarriages, congenital malformations, and developmental delays in the child. It is important to note that miscarriages in this stage of pregnancy are common and many occur without a known cause. Early pregnancy loss occurs in roughly 1 in 10 pregnancies with increased risk associated with certain factors such as advanced maternal age, maternal tobacco use, and maternal conditions like obesity
Second Trimester (14 weeks through 27 weeks)
The second trimester is characterized by rapid growth of your baby’s newly developed organ systems. Chemicals such as heavy metals or solvents can exert a toxic effect on the developing fetus much like the effects seen in adults. These fetotoxic effects are often greater than what is observed in the mother due to how these chemicals are absorbed and concentrated in the placenta. Other hazards such as infectious agents and radiation used for research purposes can pose additional risks to a developing baby which may result in spontaneous abortions, premature delivery, congenital malformations, and even cancers later in life.
Third Trimester (28 weeks to birth):
In the third trimester, your baby has developed all of its organs is now beginning a slow but steady weight gain as its organs continue to mature until they are ready when it comes time for that first breath. During this trimester, the health of the unborn baby is even more intimately connected with the mother’s health. At this time, physical hazards such as trauma, over-exertion, or environments with hot ambient air heat are of particular concern as their effects on the mother can cause adverse outcomes in the unborn baby such as spontaneous abortions or early labor. Please contact MIT Health to set up an appointment to discuss any concerns you might have regarding your pregnancy status and the physical requirements of your job.
Postpartum (following the birth of the child):
As the pre-conception period is full of expectation and planning, the time after the baby is born is also full of joy. You may also experience challenges in establishing a new normal as you adopt to life with a newborn. Some of the same hazards which may influence reproductive health before and during pregnancy may exert negative effects after pregnancy, particularly through breastmilk though absorption through the skin from direct contact is also possible. Whether you plan on breastfeeding or formula-feeding your baby, it is important that you continue following the same precautions for risk mitigation in your workplace. Again, we’d be happy to talk with you about any questions or concerns you might have.
The OSHA Laboratory Standard defines Particularly Hazardous Substances (PHSs) as chemicals that are select carcinogens, reproductive toxins and substances which have a high degree of acute toxicity. Particularly hazardous substances (PHSs) are a subset of hazardous chemicals that is regulated more stringently because they have been deemed to pose a substantially greater risk. Because of this, OSHA requires additional precautions and procedures be undertaken when particularly hazardous substances are used in the laboratory.
Refer to Particularly Hazardous Substances (PHS) page and Chemical Hygiene Plan (Part II. Section 3.1 to 3.3) for the procedures to handle particularly hazardous substances.
Under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS 2012), reproductive toxins are categorized as either known or presumed human reproductive toxicants (Category 1) or suspected human reproductive toxicants (Category 2). Category 1 is subdivided based on whether the evidence for classification is mostly from human or animal data. Effects on or via lactation are classified in a single separate category.
GHS Pictogram for health hazards including reproductive toxicity
The following chemicals are suspected to be reproductive toxins:
- Arsenic and certain arsenic compounds
- Benzene
- Cadmium and certain cadmium compounds
- Carbon disulfide
- Ethylene glycol monomethyl and ethyl ethers
- Ethylene oxide
- Lead compounds
- Mercury compounds
- N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP). Consider switching to greener chemical alternative – Cyrene
- Toluene
- Vinyl chloride
- Xylene
The above list is not intended to be complete. Refer to GHS hazard statements in SDSs to evaluate if the chemical has been found to have reproductive health effects:
- H340: May cause genetic defects
- H341: Suspected of causing genetic defects
- H360: May damage fertility or the unborn child
- H361: Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child
- H361d: Suspected of damaging the unborn child
- H362: May cause harm to breastfed children
Radiation hazards include ionizing radiation, such as X-rays and radiation from radioisotopes, and nonionizing radiation, such as microwave or radiofrequency (RF) radiation. Most radiation hazards are external and therefore the woman’s body provides significant shielding. Additional shielding can be provided to further reduce the hazard. Radiation hazards are extremely well studied and are typically minimal, despite alarming anecdotes to the contrary.
Small doses of ionizing radiation, typical in research settings and diagnostic procedures, are unlikely to cause any effect on the fetus. These levels of radiation exposure are a fraction of the radiation exposure individuals receive from natural background sources. Large doses (greater than 10 rad), as might result from radiation therapy or nuclear medicine, can slightly increase the risk of fetal death or malformation.
Nonionizing radiation, such as RF or microwave radiation from cell phones and other wireless devices, does not have any effect on a developing fetus. This type of radiation cannot damage cells and only affects the body by depositing heat. The byproduct heat can reduce male fertility if the temperature of the testes is elevated for a long period of time, however, occupational limits are set low enough that no tissue heating should occur.
Electromagnetic Fields (EMF)
Until the early 1970s, when manufacturers implemented EMF standards, there were concerns about large electromagnetic fields produced by computer monitors. Recent epidemiological studies (1994-1996) fail to support an association between occupational exposure to video display units and reproductive effects.
A biological reproductive hazard is any biological agent including bacteria, viruses, parasites, molds yeasts and naturally occurring toxins that may affect the reproductive health of women or men or could harm the development of a fetus or a child. As a reminder Principal Investigators must be registered with the Committee on the Assessment of Biohazards (CAB/ESCRO) (certificates required) before starting to work with biological agents and toxins.
Some workplace exposures are not hazardous substances, but they may still affect reproductive health. Some examples of these exposures are:
Climbing will not normally affect the unborn child (assuming that a physician has approved this activity for the mother) but the mother may experience dizzy spells and be more prone to loss of balance. Balance can become a significant problem in late pregnancy since the size of the unborn child forces the center of gravity farther back and away from a ladder thus requiring greater strength to climb and maintain balance. Pregnant women who must climb ladders regularly should discuss with their supervisors about job accommodation and inform their doctors.
Prolonged sitting can be uncomfortable due to increased body weight. Intersperse duties to allow frequent changes in position and to avoid prolonged sitting.
Working in a cold environment may pose a slight risk. A woman’s tolerance for hot environments may be lower than normal during pregnancy causing fatigue or fainting in addition to other risks posed by working in thermally extreme environments.
Standing may affect development by restricting the mother’s blood circulation. Lifting and heavy exertion may produce increased, potentially hazardous abdominal pressure. Both of these results may endanger fetal circulation and lead to early birth and low birth weight.
Increased noise levels can cause stress. This can cause changes in a pregnant woman’s body that can affect her developing baby. Sound can travel through your body and reach your baby. Although this sound will be muffled in the womb, very loud noises may still be able to damage your baby’s hearing.
According to the CDC, working at night, during typical sleeping hours, can alter the circadian rhythm, which regulates the menstrual cycle and pregnancy hormones. Shift work and long working hours have been associated with menstrual disorders, miscarriages, and preterm birth. Women who work at night, or who work long hours, often do not get enough sleep. The health effects of long or irregular work schedules may also be partly due to stress. We don’t know what amount of night shifts or how many hours per week are safest to work during pregnancy. It’s a good idea to discuss your concerns related to the night shift, rotating shift work, and long hours with MIT Occupational Health and/or your primary care provider to make informed individualized recommendations.
If you are unsure of whether any reproductive-related hazards exist in your workspace, you may contact us to schedule a lab walkthrough where a member of EHS can help to identify hazards. Additionally, you may be able to determine the presence of hazards through reviewing chemical Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and the lab
- You can contact your primary doctor to discuss these.
- You can contact MIT Health or EHS to find out if any additional PPE or other remediation methods are needed.
- Review chemical Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
If applicable, you may speak with your supervisor if you feel comfortable doing so
Anytime during the family planning process is a good time to ask for help, including prior to becoming pregnant, during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or while taking care of a small child
We take great care to ensure that your privacy is protected. Only the person that you reach out to will know of your identity. We will never share your identity with anyone else without your express permission. We follow HIPAA guidelines.
Not necessarily, but it depends on the materials that you work with. If your job entails work that does not require respirator use, then it is unlikely that wearing a respirator would make any difference while pregnant. If you have concerns about whether to wear a respirator to conduct your work, please feel free to email us with the details of your work and the materials that you are using/concerned with and we can verify whether a respirator is necessary.
Please send us an email and we will do the best we can to provide help. Members of EHS and Medical may work together to provide the most comprehensive feedback possible. Remember, we take every measure to protect your privacy and your personal information is kept confidential beyond your initial email to us. We will not contact anyone, including supervisors, without your express permission.
You may request a confidential “walk through” a lab/workspace if you want help with hazard identification and management.
- The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) – Information about the rights related to reproductive health in the workplace.
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – United States Department of Labor provides information on reproductive health in the workplace.
- California Office of Environmental Health and Hazard Assessment Proposition 65
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) – A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agency that provides information on natural and man-made hazardous substances.
- Physicians for Social Responsibility – Factsheet on prevention of toxic exposure.
- National Institute of Environment Health Sciences (NIEHS) – Information on environmental factors that may affect human reproductive health.
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment – University of California San Francisco webpage on reproductive health with good resources and information
- Pregnancy and Radiation Exposure: A factsheet on radiation exposure during pregnancy prepared by the Health Physics Society.
- Pregnancy Exposure Hotline: 1-800-322-5014. This group is affiliated with The National Birth Defects Center in Waltham, MA and provides information, at no cost, on potential pregnancy risks from exposure to medications, chemicals, infections, radiation, and other agents.