Chemicals
Chemicals are in everything we touch, breathe and taste. There are some chemicals that are best to avoid for your own health and your ability to conceive a baby.
What kinds of chemicals should I avoid if I am trying to become pregnant or conceive a baby? How can I reduce my risk of exposure?
Scientists are still studying the effects of chemicals on sperm, eggs and developing babies.
Being careful about the chemicals you use at home, work or play when you’re trying to become pregnant or conceive a baby is best. Some chemicals could affect ovulation and may change sperm or testosterone levels.
If you use well water from a private supply, have it tested. This can include testing for chemicals or impurities. Some of these, including lead, could harm a developing baby. Learn more about testing here.
There are some chemicals you should avoid when you’re trying to become pregnant or conceive a baby. These include lead, mercury, asbestos and solvents.
Lead
Lead can harm your nervous system, bloodstream and kidney health.
You can reduce your lead exposure by:
- dusting your house regularly
- taking off your shoes at the door
- having water tested if you use a private water supply
- testing older paint before you remove it as older paint can contain lead
- having family members, who may work with lead, change their clothes and shower as soon as they come home
Here are some other ways to avoid lead.
Some crystal contains lead. Some pottery or ceramics have lead in the glaze. Don’t store food or beverages in containers if you’re not sure if it has lead in it.
Some toys or jewellery that are made outside of North America, may have lead in them. Check labels. If you are not sure about whether the product has lead or not, don’t buy or use it.
Mercury
Mercury found in some fish and shellfish can cause birth defects and mental disabilities in a developing baby.
A person with a high level of mercury can also have trouble becoming pregnant or staying pregnant.
Learn more about how to reduce your exposure to mercury in fish or shellfish.
If you are exposed to mercury in the workplace it can lead to mental and physical changes that can have serious negative health effects.
Asbestos
Asbestos can damage the lungs and lead to lung disease and cancer.
It can be found in older homes and buildings. It may be in plaster walls, pipes, flooring, paint, insulation, or cement blocks.
You can reduce your exposure to asbestos by always having asbestos testing and removal done by trained professionals.
Solvents
Solvents may cause breathing problems and damage organs (e.g., kidneys, liver, reproductive).
You can reduce your risk of exposure to solvents by:
- following the instructions on the label when using cleaning products
- using only the recommended amount of the product
- following any safety precautions listed on the label, such as using in a well-ventilated area, or wearing gloves
- washing your hands before and after handling solvents
Pesticides
Pesticides can cause headaches, nausea or dizziness and can lead to nerve damage or hormonal imbalances.
You can reduce your risk of exposure to pesticides by:
- using only the recommended amount of the product
- following any safety precautions listed on the label, such as using in a well-ventilated area, or wearing gloves
- washing your hands before and after handling pesticides
- reading the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) in your workplace
Learn more about occupational hazards.
Learn more about environmental hazards to see how many of these substances you come in contact with throughout your day.
