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five or less.” They found that exposure to anesthetic gas was “more prevalent in small and mixed animal practices com- pared with large animal practices.”3 Shirangi is working on a new study
investigating the “association between perceived psychological and work stress in relation to reproductive outcomes.” She is also looking at whether there is an association between exposure to antican- cer drugs and pregnancy outcomes. Her current study “brings to the fore
“Women have been having
babies, and having babies and working, since the dawn of time.”
—Philip J. Seibert Jr., CVT
defects). However, they noted, “A study in the US compared female veterinarians with lawyers and reported a higher rate of reportable birth defects among the veterinarians than among the lawyers… although this study was not designed to detect an increase in birth defects.”2 In an earlier study, Shirangi and co-
authors looked at “Self-reported occu- pational exposures to anesthetic gases, x rays, pesticides and long working hours,” and found “a more than twofold significant increase… in the risk of spontaneous abor- tion in women exposed to unscavenged anesthetic gases for >1 h per week. Vet- erinarians who reported performing more than five radiographic examinations per week had a statistically significant elevated risk… compared to those who performed
that more priority may need to be given to avoiding unnecessary exposure in clinics,” said Shirangi. “It is also essen- tial that the vets themselves take part in planning preventive measures, and in training and educating the profession about how and when to use protective devices at work.” Shirangi concurs with colleagues in the field who have identified exposure to X-rays and anesthetics as areas of con- cern. “We warn that female vets of child- bearing age should be fully informed of the possible reproductive effects of ion- izing radiation, unscavenged anesthetic gases, and exposure to pesticides,” she said. “They should also avoid working long hours.” Shirangi urged women working in ani- mal hospitals or veterinary clinics to take protective measures, both if they plan to conceive and during their pregnancies. “In general, all personnel working in these areas should be aware of the risks associated with these exposures and take protective measures,” she said. Her rec- ommendations for a practice include: Minimize the amount of exposure through radiation-protection devices, such as masks, shoes, lead aprons, thyroid protectors, lead gloves, lead screens and film holders.
Wear gloves and a mask while using pesticides.
Properly ventilate the workplace using a gas-scavenging system.
Provide a way for employees to report any work-related health problems.
Grant work leave, paid maternity leave and health benefits as required by law, if possible.
Develop an education program for all personnel working in these areas.
Shirangi also recommends that all anesthesia machines and their scaveng- ing systems be checked with each use and maintained regularly by trained technicians.
A matter of perspective
Despite the potential for problems, it is clear that common sense and basic OSHA guidelines are available to protect pregnant workers in animal hospitals or veterinary clinics, and that hospi- tal owners and managers can ensure a safe environment by using those same resources. Perspective is important, according to Seibert. “The owner has to realize that the
employee didn’t get pregnant to make things difficult for the practice, and the employee should realize that the whole world doesn’t revolve around [her]. The situation calls for respect on both sides.” Above all, Seibert urged everyone
involved in this situation to remember that it is important not to overreact— “women have been having babies, and having babies and working, since the dawn of time,” he said.
Ruth E. Thaler-Carter is an award-winning freelance writer and editor, and a frequent contributor to Trends magazine.
Resources
1. A. Shirangi, L. Fritschi, and C. D. Holman, “Associations of Unscavenged Anesthetic Gases and Long Working Hours with Preterm Delivery in Female Veterinarians,” Obstetrics and Gynecology 113, no. 5 (May 2009): 1008 –1017.
2. A. Shirangi, L. Fritschi, C. D. Holman, and C. Bower, “Birth Defects in Offspring of Female Veterinarians,” Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 51, no. 5 (May 2009): 525–533.
3. A. Shirangi, L. Fritschi, and C. D. Holman, “Maternal Occupational Exposures and Risk of Spontaneous Abortion in Veterinary Practice,” Occupational and Environmental Medicine 65 (2008): 719–725.
Trends magazine, September 2011
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