US EPA

3859120 

Journal Article 

A Critique of Risk Disclosure as the Solution for Minimizing Toxic Exposures in Pregnancy 

Ford, AR; Scott, DN 

2017 

1 

New Solutions: A Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health Policy
ISSN: 1048-2911
EISSN: 1541-3772 

27 

1 

51-67 

English 

28403738 

10.1177/1048291117697108 

The issue of pregnant women's exposures to everyday chemicals and the implications for the health of future children are receiving increased attention in popular media and in the academic press. In response, health profession organizations are developing clinical practice guidelines for warning pregnant women about the risks associated with exposures to certain toxics. We evaluate different sides of a risk-avoidance approach for pregnant women in the context of a hypothetical case study involving phthalates and women who work in nail salons. We consider the ubiquitous nature of low-dose exposures and both the positive aspects and limitations of promoting avoidance measures with respect to phthalate exposures. We conclude that a risk-disclosure approach has both practical limitations and equity dimensions which must be factored in to public health guidelines and messaging and the development of clinical practice guidelines. Upstream solutions including regulatory action on chemicals and heightened attention to environmental justice would result in optimal management of this issue.