Congenital malformations and death among the offspring of Danish pharmacy assistants

Congenital malformations, stillbirth, and infant mortality were studied in a cohort of all female pharmacy assistants in Denmark under the age of 40 years who were members of the national union in 1979 to 1984 (4,939). Data on all births and deaths during first year of life during the study period were identified through the national birth register. Information on type of work, exposures, and life-style variables were obtained by postal questionnaires, to which 93% responded. In general, pharmacy assistants had a low frequency of congenital malformation and death among their offspring. Compared with an internal reference group, pharmacy assistants engaged in production or packing of pharmaceutical products experienced an increased prevalence of congenital malformations among their offspring. Working with identification and controls showed a slightly increased risk of death during the first year of life of the children. This could indicate occupational risks, but other explanations cannot be excluded.