Reproductive hazards do not affect every woman or every pregnancy. Whether a woman or her baby is harmed depends on how much of the hazard they are exposed to, when they are exposed, how long they are exposed, and how they are exposed. Workplace substances that affect female workers and their pregnancies can also harm their families. Without knowing it, workers can bring home harmful substances that can affect the health of other family members-both adults and children. For example, lead brought home from the workplace on a worker's skin, hair, clothes, shoes, tool box, or car can cause lead poisoning in family members, especially young children.
Employers are responsible for training and protecting their workers.
Employees are responsible for learning about the hazards in their workplace, using personal protective equipment, and following proper work practices. Store chemicals in sealed containers when they are not in use. Wash hands after contact with hazardous substances and before eating, drinking, or smoking. Avoid skin contact with chemicals. Employers are required to have copies of MSDSs for all hazardous materials used in their workplaces and to provide them to workers upon request.