However, there is no amount of exposure to a carcinogen that is known to be completely safe. Reproductive Hazards Reproductive hazards result from chemicals, radiation or other agents that can affect a worker s ability to have children. Reproductive hazards do not just affect women. Exposure to certain agents can cause two other effects on reproduction in either men or women. A teratogen is something that damages an embryo.
Teratogens can cause miscarriage or birth defects.
A mutagen changes sperm or egg cells and causes sterility or birth defects. Sensitization Some workers may become very allergic or sensitive to some agents they work with. Sensitization can develop over time. You may work for years without any health effect, and then suddenly develop a severe, sometimes life-threatening reaction to even very small exposures that do not hurt other people. Some people become so allergic that they cannot do their jobs unless the sensitizers are eliminated.