Work, environment and the fetus

The opportunities for women to work in traditionally male oriented industries will increase substantially within the next 10 years exposing them to substances and processes which might adversely affect their reproductive health. The effects which known and putative reproductive toxins may have on pregnancy outcome are reviewed against the knowledge of normal development. Any epidemiological study which looks for an association between exposure and outcome must take into account confounding factors and sources of bias which may influence the result and lead to unsound conclusions. Some of these sources of error are discussed in relation to adverse reproductive outcomes. Where there is positive evidence of an adverse effect on reproduction policies must be formulated to provide equal protection for male and female reproductive health whilst, at the same time, allowing for the unique role of women in providing a safe internal environment for the developing fetus.