Pregnancy & Environmental Poisons.

I've heard environmental poisons can be dangerous to a pregnant woman. What are they?
Environmental poisons and pollutants that can harm a developing fetus include lead, mercury, PCBs and pesticides.

How can lead harm a developing baby?
Lead is readily transported across the placenta to the baby. Exposure to lead can cause an increase in the chance of miscarriage. Poisoning can occur as early as the 12th week of pregnancy.

How could I be exposed to lead?
Lead exposure may come from many sources, including water pipes, solders, storage batteries, some construction materials, paints, dyes and wood preservatives. You may also be exposed in your
workplace; find out if you are at risk.

How can mercury harm a developing baby?
Reports of mercury exposure have been linked to cerebral palsy and microcephaly.

How could I be exposed to mercury?
Exposure usually occurs from eating contaminated fish;

How can PCBs harm a developing baby?
PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) are not single compounds but mixtures of several compounds. Most fish, birds and humans have small, measurable amounts of PCBs in their tissues. PCBs have been lamed for miscarriage and intrauterine-growth restriction.

How could I be exposed to PCBs?
We are exposed to PCBs through some of the foods we eat. Such as fish.

How can pesticides harm a developing baby?
Pesticides have been held responsible for an increase in miscarriage and intrauterine-growth restriction.

How could I be exposed to pesticides?
Pesticides include a large number of agents used to control unwanted plants and animals. Human exposure is common because of the extensive use of pesticides. Those of most concern include DDT, chlordane, heptachlor and lindane.

How can I protect myself against these agents?
The safest course is to avoid exposure, through the foods you eat or the air you breathe. Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables before eating. It may not be possible to eliminate all contact. If you • know you will be around certain chemicals, wash your hands thoroughly after exposure.