Date: Tue, 10 Aug 2010 11:08:23 -0400
Reply-To: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: List Moderator <ecgrants**At_Symbol_Here**UVM.EDU>
Subject: 2 Re: [DCHAS-L] pregnant student in chemistry lab

< div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Date: August 10, 2010 8:02:39 AM EDT
Subject: RE: [DCHAS-L] pregnant student in chemistry lab


I must take exception to the generalization that it a lab is not safe for a
pregnant person, it is not safe for anyone.  Consider the relatively common
lab experiment of making aspirin.  Aspirin is safe for most people, but not
pregnant women.

Ben Ruekberg


===
Date: August 10, 2010 11:00:18 AM EDT
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] pregnant student in chemistry lab



I work as an Industrial Hygiene Chemist so protecting employees from exposure & over exposure is my main purpose. I had a baby last year and continued to work in the lab while pregnant & while breast-feeding. I avoided the use of certain known teratogens (specifically CS2) and double-gloved when I used anything else. All of my work was performed in a fume hood. I too took MSDSs to my OB and talked to him & my manager candidly about the risk of exposing the fetus to anything that could cause damage. 

I used common sense & did what I felt comfortable with. I think offering the student choices would be the best route. I'm sure the student can meet the learning objectives of the labs through other means. 

Good luck! Glad to see that you are being proactive & taking the concern seriously.

Melissa Ballard 
Industrial Hygiene & Environmental Chemist 
Michelin North America 
1401 Antioch Church Road 
Greenville, SC 29605 
864.458.1843 




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