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 effects, 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. Examples of sensitized reactions include health care and other workers who can develop a serious allergic reaction to latex that is used in gloves and other products. Formaldehyde is also given off by many common office products. Synthetic fibers in rugs and furniture, and urea foam insulation can give off small amounts of formaldehyde.