Aqua regia does not represent either a reproductive or tertatology hazard to a pregnant woman.  It is quite corrosive and represents a pulmonary irritant.  Under the Johnson Controls decision of the US Supreme Court, you cannot require pregnant women from working within this location.  You should ensure implementation of  effective engineering controls to minimize employee exposure to acceptable levels irregardless of reproductive status.

 

William E. Crouse, MS, CIH, CSP
Director, Environmental Health and Safety
Wyeth Research
641 Ridge Road
Chazy, NY 12921-2420

 

518-846-6350 (office)
518-574-4457(pager)
518-846-6527 (fax)

 

>>> List Moderator <ecgrants**At_Symbol_Here**UVM.EDU> 3/31/2009 7:27 PM >>>

From: Javier.Medina**At_Symbol_Here**ElPaso.com
Subject: Question on pregnancy and acid fumes
Date: March 31, 2009 5:18:46 PM EDT (CA)

Good afternoon,

I have a question and I would like some of your input;
We have a couple of pregnant women in our lab, we analyze 
petrochemical products with lots of hazardous components to the 
development fetus and I think we have safely limited the activities 
for these women, but how about acid fumes (aqua-regia)?


Thanks,

Javier Medina
Senior Chemist
(915) 587-3688
El Paso Laboratory Services
8645 Railroad Dr.
El Paso, TX 79904