[scamp]

Hi,

Im looking for advice and opinions.Ive just found out Im pregnant and Im trying to decide whether its safe for me to continue working in the analytical lab. Its a very small and basic lab ( a side line to another bigger manufacturing lab) , we only have 1* HPLC and 1* UV spectrophotometer- Im the only staff member in there.
Its really only the solvents which would be of harm- we generally use methanol, acetonitrile, acetic acid, phosphate buffers etc.
Im thinking as long as I use a fumehood to transfer the mobile phase into the reservoirs, then after that the vapours are pretty much enclosed...
Any opinions would be appreciated, its a hard decision to make.

Thanks

[agrobert]

Those solvents are safe as long as you wear gloves but you should really ask your doctor.

[Mitch]

It sounds like you'll be fine, nothing there seems to nasty if you work with it in the fume hood.

[ARGOS++]

Dear Scamp;

Congratulation!    I hope he/she will get a “strong” Chemist!
(I can’t see any harm [not for you and not for your baby] as long as you don’t drink it like Whisky, or you take a bath therein.)

Good Luck!
                   ARGOS⁺⁺

[enahs]

The MSDS data sheets specifically list if the chemical is known to cause possible birth defects. I would just check the MSDS for each chemical you use. And either be extra super careful around them or demand somebody help you (there are specific laws for pregnant women with regards to the work place and chemical usage to protect you, your child and your job).


Even still, unless you have chronic improper exposure to those chemicals, I doubt anything bad would happen.