Certain toxins can adversely affect reproductive health in both males and females or could harm a developing fetus. These include chemicals classified as mutagens, teratogens, embryotoxins, or those with known developmental and reproductive toxicity. Some biologic and radiologic materials can harm reproductive health or an unborn fetus.

Lab workers who are pregnant, nursing, or planning to conceive should review the hazardous materials their work involves.

Thoroughly review safety data sheets (SDS) and other product literature before using potentially hazardous materials.

Contact radiation_protection@harvard.edu about embryo/fetus radiation protection measures, radiation safety, or pregnancy declaration.

The Committee on Microbiological Safety (COMS) stipulate procedures for work with organisms posing a risk to reproductive health or harm to a developing fetus. Contact biosafety@harvard.edu to review micro-organism work.

If you are listed on an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocol, contact Occupational and Environmental Health Network, Inc. (OEHN) for a medical consultation about protocol-associated concerns. We can help those not listed on IACUC protocols with OEHN clinician confidential medical consultations.

We can conduct hazard assessments and provide guidance on proper administrative and engineering controls, personal protective equipment (PPE) selection, and other prudent work practices. OEHN clinicians may request that EH&S perform additional evaluations.

Contact mary_corrigan@harvard.edu with questions or occupational medical consultation requests.