Envionmental Poisons.

Your environment can affect your health and your developing baby's health. Environmental poisons and pollutants that can harm a fetus include lead, mercury, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and pesticides.

Exposure to lead increases the chance of miscarriage. Lead is readily transported across the placenta to the baby; toxicity occurs as early as the 12th week of pregnancy. Lead exposure can come from many sources, including water pipes, solders, storage batteries, some construction materials, paints, dyes and wood preservatives. Workplace exposure is possible; check to see if you are at risk.

Reports of mercury exposure have been linked to cerebral palsy and microcephaly. Exposure occurs with ingestion of contaminated fish; one report linked contaminated grain to mercury poisoning.

PCBs are mixtures of several chemical compounds used for industrial purposes. Most fish, birds and humans have small, measurable amounts of PCBs in their tissues. Typical exposure comes from some of the foods we eat, such as fish. PCBs have been blamed for miscarriage and fetal-growth restriction.

Exposure to pesticides during pregnancy is held responsible for an increase in miscarriage rates and fetal growth restriction. Pesticides include a large number of agents. Human exposure is common because of the extensive use of pesticides; those of most concern include DDT, chlordane, heptachlor and lindane. Stop using pesticides in your home and around your work area during pregnancy.

You may not be able to eliminate all contact with pesticides. To protect yourself against these agents, avoid exposure when possible. Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables before eating them. If you know you will be around certain chemicals, wash your hands thoroughly after exposure.