Calls on reproductive and developmental toxicants to a regional poison center

We sought to characterize calls received by a regional Poison Center concerning reproductive hazards and to assess the quality of the responses. Data was extracted for a 3 mo period from all calls regarding reproductive or in utero developmental effects. The Poison Center responses were evaluated based on completeness of information gathered and final recommendations made. Two hundred seventy-one calls regarding 335 products were received. Ninety-seven percent of the calls concerned exposures during a pregnancy. Fifty-nine percent of the substances of concern were drugs; 32% were other chemicals; 7% were biological agents. Eleven percent of the exposures were occupational; 22% were environmental. Thirty-four percent of the exposures had not yet occurred. Sixty-two percent were characterized as no or minimal risk. For 13% of exposures, callers were advised to avoid initiating or continuing the exposure. Callers were referred to physicians or specialty services for 11% of exposures. The majority of responses were felt to be appropriate. Problematic areas included inconsistent advice and lack of referral. Discussion of exposures in light of other risk factors for and background rates of adverse reproductive outcomes, as well as more frequent referral to a specialist with expertise in reproductive toxicology was recommended.