A recent surveyThe American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), surveyed more than 2500 practitioners. They found that while they recognized the effects of the environment on reproductive health, the majority of American obstetricians lack the training, time and tools to prevent them from being exposed.
To help you, use the resources on this webpage:
Tools to Talk to Patients
Reproductive healthcare providers have the unique ability to prevent exposure to environmental chemicals. Preconception and prenatal visits are a great time to discuss environmental exposures with patients. These evidence-based resources can help you start the conversation.
Local Experts
- Northwest Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit
University of Washington Schools of Medicine & Public Health has a team of clinical environmental health specialists. This group consults health care professionals regarding the prevention, diagnosis and management of environmentally-related conditions. Patients’ health effects. They also develop educational materials for clinicians and training on environmental health topics.
Professional organizations highlight the development and reproductive benefits
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American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Committee Opinion – Exposure to Toxic Environmental Agents (2013)
Review of scientific evidence that preconception and prenatal toxic environmental agents can impair reproductive health throughout the life-course. - International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), Opinion on Reproductive Health Effects of Exposure Toxic Environmental Chemicals (2015) (PDF).
Studies have shown that prenatal exposures to toxic chemicals can cause poor reproductive and developmental outcomes, such as low birthweight, congenital malformations, and cancer. - The Endocrine Society’s Statement regarding Endocrine-Disrupting Chemistry (2015)
Reviews and scientific evidence on endocrine disrupting chemicals that can cause obesity, diabetes, heart disease, impaired reproduction, hormone sensitive cancers, thyroid abnormalities, and impairments to neurodevelopment. - Environmental Impacts on Reproductive Health Association of Reproductive Health Professionals (2010). (PDF).
This section contains case studies and evidence-based messages to help patients with counseling on pesticides, mercury, chemical exposures at work, bisphenol A, and other chemicals in plastic.
Additional Resources
Washington State Department of Health
- Children and Environmental Chemicals
The evidence suggests that environmental chemicals may be responsible for a number childhood diseases and conditions. - Protect Your Kids from Toxics. Brochure
Information on how to protect children against toxic chemicals in food, homes, and consumer products. The topics include how to keep toxic chemicals out of your home, yard, body, and child’s bodies. Available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. - Healthy Home: Keep you and the family safe and healthy in your house, brochure (PDF).
This article covers indoor air quality, lead hazards as well as product safety. Available in English (PDF), Spanish, Russian, and Vietnamese