As a matter of good practice, and to satisfy regulatory requirement, particularly hazardous substances require additional planning and considerations. A list of particularly hazardous substances is available in Appendix A of this manual. Reproductive Toxins Reproductive toxins are substances that have adverse effects on various aspects of reproduction, including fertility, gestation, lactation, and general reproductive performance. When a pregnant woman is exposed to a chemical, the fetus may be exposed as well because the placenta is an extremely poor barrier to chemicals.
Reproductive toxins can affect both men and women.
Male reproductive toxins can in some cases lead to sterility. A chemical with an LD 50 of 200 mg less per kg of body weight when administered by continuous contact for 24 hours to certain test populations. Laboratory workers must complete a Particularly Hazardous Substance Use Approval form . The area where the PHS will be used is posted as a designated area. The laboratory worker proceeds with the experiment, following the practices outlined in the Particularly Hazardous Substance Use Approval form, as well as the appropriate work practices included in the remainder of the Safe Work Practices and Procedures section of this manual.