[An epidemiological study on reproductive effects in female workers exposed to acrylonitrile]

Four hundred and seventy-seven female workers exposed to acrylonitrile and 527 controls were studied by retrospective cohort method. Results showed incidence rates of pernicious vomiting and anemia, preterm delivery, and birth defects in exposed women were obviously higher than those in controls, with statistical significance. Logistic regression analysis revealed exposure to acrylonitrile in pregnant workers caused increasing risk of preterm delivery and birth defects. In addition, illness, medicine taking and X-ray irradiation during pregnancy related to the increase of incidence of preterm delivery in exposed women.