Embryo/fetal radiation protection: a possible model for comprehensive occupational reproductive health programs

Abstract

Modern work activities may necessitate the use of a wide variety of potentially hazardous physical, chemical, biological, or radiological agents. The risks associated with exposure to these agents may not be limited to the worker, and in some cases can extend to the offspring of exposed individuals. Potential exposures to such agents introduce a number of interesting health and safety considerations, including the possible establishment of exposure limits that address reproductive health concerns, and the determination of the extent to which an organization will go to accommodate occupationally exposed persons. The radiation safety profession has considered this issue in part through the promulgation of a specific, lowered occupational dose limit for the embryo/fetus in the workplace. Because ionizing radiation is certainly not the only known or suspected teratogenic agent that may be occupationally encountered, the approach used by the radiation protection profession may be used as a model upon which comprehensive occupational reproductive health programs can be developed. The essential elements of such programs include: the initial disclosure of potential reproductive hazards to all employees upon employment, a mechanism for formal voluntary declaration of reproductive status, a codified institutional decision process that establishes the extent to which accommodations will be made, and formal recognition of the rights of the employee regarding all final work-related decisions.