Working at Printing Press - harmful if I were to become pregnant?

[JKMastalski]

I have been thinking about this since DH and I are thinking about starting a family - I work at Printing Press - I work in the office part, but I frequent the pressroom at least 10 times a day. Anyone here work at press and know if the chemicals are harmful? I would ask my boss , but I don't want him to know that I am thinking of becoming pregnant. And I don't know any of my co workers that well. Just thought someone might know something! THANKS!

 

[bananiem]

I don't have any knowledge to help you out. Sorry. But maybe you could call your gynecologist's office? They may be able to have the answer. They'd probably be gald to have you check into before you get pregnant, rather than have it be "too late." Good luck!

 

[phillybeth]

Check with your personnel person, or if you work at a union shop the shop steward. I know our union made all the female employees sign a list of hazardous chemicals so we can't say we are not aware of the dangers. Also, we are required to inform our supervisors if we even suspect we are pregnant, as some of the chemicals we work with are nasty to a devloping embryo.

 

[mickeyboat]

I agree, talk to your doctor.

My experience: I work in an office at a manufacturing plant which uses chemicals including xylene and acetone. My doctor said I would be o.k. as long as I am not using them myself and the building was well-ventilated. I also go out to the shop on a regular basis.

Good luck to you!

Denae

 

[gallaj0]

My wife worked in both a sewage treatment plant and an electric power plant for both of her pregnancies, and none of the chemicals there (and they had plenty) were of any concern, and she handled them almost every day.

 

[momsully]

It depends on what type of ink they use, the ventilation, and how often and for how long you are exposed to him. There should be an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) book somewhere, usually the employee lunchroom, where you can see what the inks and chemicals are. The first page is usually an inventory. Make a copy and you can take that with you to talk to your doctor.

 

[Brandon79]

at my dad's firm (architectural) i can remember a pregnant worker avoiding an area where prints are made. everyone seemed to be in agreement that she should avoid that area. there should be someone at your place of employment with a list of chemicals used in the printing process & they should be aware of any potential dangers. demand a list of the chemicals & phone your doctor. you have to stay safe!

 

[Deb & Bill]

You have a right to know what chemicals you may be exposed to at your work. Is there someone in a safety office there? They may be able to help you.

Also, not only are pregnant women supposed to be protected, but any woman who is able to become pregnant, any male who might father a child and any employee at all.

Look to see if there are any Material Safety Data Sheets around. They should be available to any employee for their safety. Your boss should be providing a safe workplace for all employees. You might ask the boss about the chemicals in use and their safety.

If he/she refuses to provide this to you, you have the right to contact OSHA to investigate this for you. They may make a site visit and if they find the employer in violation, he/she can be fined. OSHA will not tell the employer who contacted them, only that a concern was expressed about employee safety.

You can probably find OSHA in the Federal Govt pages of your telephone book (the blue pages in my book).

 

[Rochelle28001]

I have been thinking about this since DH and I are thinking about starting a family - I work at Printing Press - I work in the office part, but I frequent the pressroom at least 10 times a day. Anyone here work at press and know if the chemicals are harmful? I would ask my boss , but I don't want him to know that I am thinking of becoming pregnant. And I don't know any of my co workers that well. Just thought someone might know something! THANKS!

Did you ever get pregnant?

 

[dclpluto]

Check out the MSDS by law they have to show it to you. If it’s a hazard they have to keep the msds on it.

 

[Minnesota!]

Uh...

 

[Deb & Bill]

Uh...

Yeah, the kid would be a teenager by now.

 

[Squirlz]

Did you ever get pregnant?

Seriously?

 

[CrankyDad]

As long as you don’t handle radioactive spiders you are fine

 

[cteddiesgirl]

It doesn't matter if you plan to get pregnant or not. You have a right to know what chemicals are being used. Approach personnel/boss to gather information and take to your doctor. Chemicals used in printing can be harmful (due to sensitivities and allergies) to some people and not others.

 

[TipsyTraveler]

Fortunately for all involved, the printing industry has all but gone belly up since this thread was started. No worries about harmful chemicals now.

 

[DisneyHardin]

Did you ever get pregnant?

I just realized how old this thread is and thought "Her child could be a teenager by now"