Histology, Organic Solvents, and Reproductive Health
Histology, Organic Solvents, and Reproductive Health
Dear Histonetters,
Today I was made aware of a very distressing study demonstrating the
negative impact of occupational exposure to organic solvents on reproductive
health. The study, which used admirable and meticulously planned methods,
evaluated the effects of occupational exposure of pregnant women to organic
solvents including aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, phenols,
trichloroethylene, xylene, vinyl chloride, acetone, and related compounds.
Many of these substances are commonly found in standard histology
laboratories.
The investigation found that in a group of 250 pregnant women (125 women
occupationally exposed to solvents and a control group of 125 women unexposed
to solvents), the women exposed to solvents were 13 times more likely to give
birth to babies with major malformations than the women in the control group
who were not exposed to solvents. The percentage of women who reported prior
miscarriages contemporaneous to occupational solvent exposure was 46.2% in
contrast to 19.2% reporting prior miscarriages in the non-solvent exposed
group.
Among exposed women, the number of infants born in distress was 17, as
opposed to only 6 in the control group. In the study, "Fetal distress was
defined as the presence of meconium and/or abnormal fetal heart rate
monitoring during delivery or the requirement of resuscitation or a neonatal
intensive care unit." (Khattak et al.,1999).
The solvent-exposed women also had higher rates of premature births,
miscarriages, minor birth defects, and low birth weight than did the women in
the control group.
I believe this investigation deserves attention from all histotechs.
Even if you are not a woman or are not planning to become pregnant, the field
of histology is predominantly female. We have a responsibility to protect
our own health, the health of our children, and the health of our potentially
childbearing colleagues.
For a limited time, the aforementioned study:
Khattak, S, G K-Moghtader,K McMartin, M Barrera, D Kennedy, G Koren. 1999.
Pregnancy outcome following gestational exposure to organic solvents. J Amer
Med Assoc 281:1106-1109 (March 24/31).
May be accessed at JAMA's website (http://www.ama-assn.org/special/womh/
) at:
http://www.ama-assn.org/special/womh/library/readroom/vol_281b/joc81429.htm
Anatech Ltd. has a wonderful article about the investigation. They
relate the information of the study to specific histology issues, offer
helpful solutions, and promote their associated products. I strongly urge
you to examine it for yourself. The article may be accessed by going to:
www.anatechltdusa.com
Selecting: Product Literature
Selecting: Anatech's Newsletter: The Innovator
Selecting: "Xylene Confirmed as a Reproductive Hazard" Volume 4, Number 1,
2001
I hope that you will invest in your health and take the time to read
these articles. I wish all of you the very best.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Atkin - HT (ASCP)
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