From: Samuella Sigmann <sigmannsb**At_Symbol_Here**APPSTATE.EDU>
To: DCHAS-L <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU>
Sent: Thu, Feb 27, 2014 7:29 am
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Question about lab policy for "medical condition"
Allergies we handle on a
case by case basis, but we did just come up with a statement this
semester.
"Be aware that some
individuals might be sensitive or allergic to chemicals used in
lab. If you have a known allergy and would like to know if you
should take precautions for this, please speak with your
instructor at a convenient time."
We then mention some of the common things we have seen - nickel,
sulfur, salicylic acid.
Sammye
Department of Chemistry Pregnancy
Policy
Pregnancy introduces a
special set of variables into the consideration of hazards in
laboratory. While the exposure levels to chemicals commonly
encountered in a university laboratory setting pose no or low
risk to an adult, they can pose a significantly higher level of
hazard to the unborn fetus. Many of these hazards are not well
studied, and it is not known what exposure level is safe for an
unborn child. It is therefore prudent for pregnant women to
limit the unnecessary exposure of a fetus to any chemicals. This
is especially true if the chemicals are mutagenic (causes damage
to chromosomes) or teratogenic (causes birth defects and/or
fetal death).
If you have recently
become pregnant or you are anticipating becoming pregnant while
you are taking laboratory courses, you should discuss the
possible ramifications that working in a chemistry laboratory
might have on the fetus with your instructor and your physician.
Your instructor can inform you of the specific chemicals that
you will be using that are known or suspected to be reproductive
toxins and your discussions will be held in strict confidence.
Professor, Department of Chemistry
University Chemical Hygiene Officer
Wittenberg University
937-327-6441
http://userpages.wittenberg.edu/dfinster/index.html
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