Safety Emporium for all your lab and safety needs

Eye Wash

Glossary Index

Fibrosis

MSDS Topics	Free Sites	FAQ's	Regulations	Glossary	Software	Suppliers
	Books	Forum	Poll	Fun stuff	Quiz	Store
Understand your MSDS with the MS-Demystifier				Search ALL our MSDS info

Fetotoxin

Definition

A fetotoxin is a substance or agent that can poison or cause degenerative effects in a developing fetus or embryo. The effects are generally similar to those an adult would suffer from exposure.

This is closely related to a teratogen, which causes malformations of an embryo or fetus.

Both fetotoxins and teratogens are reproductive toxins, substances which cause damage to one's reproductive and/or endocrine system and/or a developing fetus.

Additional Info

A fetotoxin can cause developmental toxicity. The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine defines developmental toxicity as:
The occurrence of adverse effects on the developing organism that may result from exposure before conception [pregnancy] (either parent), during prenatal [before birth] development, or postnatally [after birth] to the time of sexual maturation [puberty] . Adverse developmental effects may be detected at any point in the life span of the organism."

Examples of developmental toxicity include fetal death, structural abnormalities or birth defects, and functional deficiencies or altered growth.

In response to potential reproductive hazards and fetotoxins, the state of California (USA) passed a measure called the The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, which is better known by its ballot name, Proposition 65. This act attempts to regulate the use of potential fetotoxins and reproductive hazards. Further information can be found in the links below.

MSDS Relevance

Always minimize the use and release of fetotoxins (or believed fetotoxins) in the workplace. If you are of child-bearing age, and must work with such materials, make sure that your employer implements workplace controls that minimize or eliminate your exposure. Better yet, see if you can avoid working with such materials.

Further Reading The University of Carlifornia at Davis has an excellent page on Reproductive Health issues in the University setting. Be sure to try the Safety Nets link. NIOSH has a great site on Reproductive Health The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment's Prop 65 page. Prop 65 and Related Sites and Resources at CalProp65.com. Proposition 65 FAQ at Prop. 65 Clearinghouse, an attorney site. Prop65 News. Preconception Brief: Occupational/Environmental Exposures from Matern Child Health J. 2006 September; 10(Suppl 1): 123-128. No longer available free on-line but this article "Fetal Protection Policies: A Method of Safeguarding Fetuses or a Way of Limiting Women in the Workplace?" appeared in J. Health Hosp. Law 1990Jul;23(7):193-207, 213, 224. Ask Dr Safety about Reproductive Toxins, a PowerPoint presentation at the American Chemical Society's Division of Chemical Health and Safety web site. See also: mutagen, carcinogen. Additional definitions from Google and OneLook.

Don't have a formal safety program? This handbook/CD combination can help you establish and run a workplace safety program.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is believed to be true and accurate, however ILPI makes no guarantees concerning the veracity of any statement. Use of any information on this page is at the reader's own risk. ILPI strongly encourages the reader to consult the appropriate local, state and federal agencies concerning the matters discussed herein.