Last updated on May 2nd, 2022 at 03:48 pm
Reproductive Health Resources
Women have significant exposure to agricultural work and therefore related health and safety risks from farm exposures. Women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, especially those currently performing farm work, should be informed of the implications of exposure before, during, and after pregnancy, and assisted in making decisions that are appropriate for their individual work and home situations. Read about general reproductive hazards from MedlinePlus. However, there are hazards specific to agriculture.
Hazards
Risks to women who are pregnant or planning to be pregnant include:
Herbicides
Herbicides are used to kill undesirable plants or weeds.
Exposures: Mixing and applying herbicides and fungicides up to 2 years before attempting conception is associated with observed lower fertility.
Risk: Could lower rates of fertility.
Needlestick Injuries
Needlestick injuries are wounds caused by needles that accidentally puncture the skin.
Exposures: Livestock production hormones Oxytocin and Prostaglandin
Risk: May cause abortion in pregnant women.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas produced by burning gasoline, wood, propane, charcoal, or other fuel.
Exposures: Livestock buildings and high pressure washers
Risk: High for women and elevated risk in unborn fetus including low birth weight and slowed mental development.
Zoonotic Diseases
Zoonotic diseases (also known as zoonoses) are caused by infections that spread between animals and people. Pregnant women have an altered immune system during pregnancy.
Exposures: Direct/indirect contact, vector-borne, foodborne
Risk: May cause abortion in pregnant women.
Nitrate Toxicity
Infants who are fed formula made with water high in nitrate concentrations (>10 mg/L) have the potential to be poisoned.
Risk: A congenital health disease known as Blue Baby Syndrome
PPE
Personal protective equipment can reduce the risk of agricultural hazards to women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Appropriate PPE includes:
- Coveralls
- Eyewear
- Respiratory protection
- Footwear
Reproductive Health Resources
Articles
Fact Sheets
| ID | Title | Summary | Categories | Link | doc_categories_hfilter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8417 | Reproductive Health Exposures for Women in Agriculture | A guide designed to help women protect their reproductive health when working in agriculture. | Women | women | |
| 8421 | Riesgos de la salud reproductiva femenina en la agricultura | A Spanish language guide designed to help women protect their reproductive health when working in agriculture. | Spanish Language, Women | spanish-language women | |
| 8423 | Take Charge of Your Health – Women Working in Agriculture | This fact sheet is designed to highlight the unique risk factors for women working in agriculture. Practical solutions are offered to assist farm women in maintaining a healthy and productive farming future. | Women | women |
Webinars
- Ag Specific Respiratory Exposures and Prevention for Women Working in Agriculture (Recorded March 30, 2020)
- Appropriate PPE for Women in Agriculture (March 10, 2022)
- Best PPE to Protect Your Lungs (September 23, 2021)
- COVID19 Vaccines: Boosters, Kids, and Other Updates (November 18, 2021)
- Eliminating Workplace Violence in the Field for Employers (December 2, 2021)
- Ergonomic Safety for Farm Women (December 1, 2020)
- Hazard Communications Standards (December 7, 2021)
- Prevention of Covid-19 Among the Agricultural Industry – Contact Tracing
- Proactive and Reactive Society: Focus on rural mental health
- Reducing the Risk of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes and Perinatal Illness for Female Ag. Producers (December 16, 2020)
- Respiratory Protection Program Overview in COVID-19 and Beyond (June 30, 2021)- Presentation Slides
- Safety in the Field: Addressing Workplace Sexual Harassment for Farm Workers
- Tools & Training to Aid in Selection of PPE in Agriculture (July 29, 2021)
- What to Expect While Expecting- For Female Producers & Farmworkers in Ag (February 16, 2022)
- Zoonotic Disease and Pregnancy: A Deeper Dive (September 24, 2021)
Page updated: April 2022