The following question about exposure to teratogens in early pregnancy was
recently posed to Midwifery Today. Staff member Jennifer Rosenberg came up
with the following information and suggestions.
Q: A client had several brief exposures to paint thinners in an art studio
early in pregnancy. What is her risk of birth defects?
-Karen Carr, CPM
Midwifery Today answers:
Resources on the web relevant to the question:
http://images.babycenter.com/expert/5113.html
(ask an expert)
http://www.babycenter.com/news/19990329
(news brief)
http://artdept.umn.edu/Administrative_Services/MERKTA/hazards.html
(hazards in the arts)
http://www.craftsreport.com/september97/pregnancy.html
(pregnancy and the crafts professional)
http://www.sciencenews.org/sn_arc99/3_27_99/fob2.htm
(Science News: full article on the study)
Best answer from brief survey of the above pages:
While it is clear that prolonged exposure to solvents and other toxic
agents is quite hazardous and can be associated with a high rate of birth
defects, miscarriage, and stillbirth, (up to a third of pregnancies
miscarrying, up to 15% rate of major defects depending on type and duration
of exposure), brief exposures are not as likely to cause problems.
Nevertheless, some substances can cause defects with only tiny exposures in
the first trimester.
The page "Pregnancy and the Crafts Professional" puts it very succinctly
when it says, "Do not stress about past exposures." Realistically, you
can't do a thing about what has happened in the past and stress, as the
article points out, does no one good.
It is wise, particularly in the first trimester, but realistically
throughout pregnancy, to avoid all toxins. This includes "natural" solvents
like citrus or pine-based thinners and cleaners. Turpentine is quite toxic.
The incidence of birth defects is much higher when mothers report headaches
and other symptoms themselves, especially over longer periods of time
(weeks or months). So looking to the future, women who are pregnant or may
be pregnant need to be very careful about exposures to chemicals, both
inhaled and through the skin.
The woman in question was modeling for an art class in her first trimester.
As there were only two episodes of exposure, each for relatively brief
periods of time, her risk is low relative to say, a print shop employee or
other professional exposed for 8-10 hours per day five days per week for
three solid months. In any event, there is little that can be done
retrospectively.
The studies on the subject tend to reinforce the notion that moms need to
listen to their bodies. A strong physical reaction, such as nausea or
headache, to fumes or smells is a signal that should be heeded.
-Jennifer Rosenberg, CD (DONA), ICCE
Midwifery Today Graphics & Design Editor
Reprinted from Midwifery Today E-News (Vol 2 Issue 8 February 25, 2000)
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