Reproductive Hazards of the Workplace

Reproductive Hazards of the Workplace Linda M. Frazier, MD, MPH Marvin L. Hage, MD In the face of rising medical costs, health care reform, intense media scrutiny, and the trend toward delayed pregnancies, the concern over on–the–job reproductive hazards is at an all–time high. The need to develop effective strategies for protecting the reproductive health of employees––female and male––is more critical than ever. Reproductive Hazards of the Workplace is designed to help managers, primary care physicians, and health and safety professionals manage and prevent occupational reproductive risks. Like other entries in Van Nostrand Reinhold′s Hazards of the Workplace series, the book offers a wealth of valuable, up–to–date information plus expert–tested methodologies and advice for handling risk exposure. Reproductive Hazards of the Workplace begins by covering basic reproductive and developmental biology and fundamentals of risk assessment and reduction. It shows readers how to take into account influencing factors such as the employee′s age, personal habits, and existing conditions (such as diabetes and hypertension). From this foundation, the text explains how to recognize and manage a wide range of potential threats to reproductive health, including:

∗ Chemical agents

∗ Physical agents

∗ Biologic agents

∗ Ergonomic factors

∗ Travel

∗ Stress

In describing reproductive risks involving these common occupational exposures, thorough coverage is provided of an often–ignored subject: reproductive hazards to men. Reproductive Hazards of the Workplace offers a variety of features to help readers use the material. Key tables, references, sample patient encounter forms, and occupational exposure guidelines add to the book′s functionality. With this book, physicians, nurses, corporate personnel, and safety professionals have an expert resource focused exclusively on a crucial aspect of occupational health management. As an introductory text, a review volume, or a convenient sourcebook, Reproductive Hazards of the Workplace is a welcome addition to any safety professional′s library.