Maternal occupational exposure and risk of specific birth defects

BACKGROUND: Gregg identified the teratogenic effect of maternal rubella infection in 1941 and since then there has been a focus on risk factors for birth defects. In nearly 70% of all birth defects, there is still no known risk factor and close to 30% of all pregnancies end in a foetal loss or spontaneous abortion, often because of a defect in the foetus. A large percentage of the workforce consists of women of reproductive age. METHODS: A search in MEDLINE for original literature and examination of the association between exposure during pregnancy and the risk of birth defects. RESULTS: Five specific birth defects were identified: neural tube defects, cleft lip and cleft palate, congenital heart defects, urinary tract defects and limb defects. The next step was to include studies with information on occupational exposure during pregnancy. CONCLUSION: There seems to be growing concern as to whether organic solvents, including glycol ethers, pesticides and heavy metals may play a teratogenic role. There is no convincing evidence linking occupational exposure during pregnancy and birth defects.