Public Health France published a weekly epidemiological bulletin at the end of February in which the health of certain workers is discussed. While women are at the heart of the news following International Women’s Day, the study, taken up by France Info reveals that certain health professions expose women to carcinogenic solvents which can endanger the fetus in the event of pregnancy.
The study looked at data from 7,427,228 female health care workers to find out if the products they are exposed to on a daily basis pose a health hazard. The answer is yes, mainly for nurses, midwives and nursing assistants. Among the most affected people, 41% are civilian employees and civil servants (nursing assistants or hospital service agents), 21% are health and social work intermediaries (midwives, nurses) .
Growth retardation, fetal abnormalities
In total, the study reveals that 15% of these health professionals are exposed to oxygenated solvents, 1% to petroleum solvents and 0.1% to chlorinated solvents. All health workers, women or men, of these professions are confronted with it, and all are victims of their exposure to these products for certain labeled carcinogens. But the study is interested in women who, of childbearing age, could see harmful side effects in their child, before or after birth.
If the use of these products is not very meaningful for everyone, a daily product known to all is dangerous: hydroalcoholic gel. It often contains ethanol or isopropanol. It is used for the disinfection of hands but also of surfaces, on a daily basis in hospitals. However, inhaling these substances can have an impact on female fertility. Their danger is also directly aimed at the fetus, which may present with abnormalities and growth delays. The study highlights this problem without succeeding for the moment in proposing a solution, because protecting yourself from products that pollute the air you breathe is very complicated to put in place.
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