Research has proven without a shadow of doubt that the degree of exposure to chemicals that are toxic in hospital settings directly correlates to the risk of getting asthma, cancer, miscarriages and even birth defects. Some of the birth defects have been known to include developmental issues both physically and neurologically.
The cumulative risks that women working in health institutions are exposed to such as these varying toxic materials have caused many adverse issues with regard to child bearing. Some of the most common sources of the chemicals include sanitizers, bleach, and other cleaning substances used for sanitation, latex, mercury, pharmaceutical products, and sterilization chemicals among others.
Some developmental disorders and neurobehavioral issues, particularly autism, dyslexia and ADHD have been found to be influenced by nature (Waters, 2011). However, genes aren’t the only factor involved. It seems that nature also plays a role. Exposure to certain chemicals account for more of the cases that have been developed with respect to such disorders. Some of these chemicals include but are not limited to: Fluorides, lead, and toluene among others all of which have been associated with brain development and other issues regarding attention in children whose mothers were exposed.
The evidence speaks for itself. However, the trips made by mothers to be to clinics or labor wards aren’t usually significantly long enough to suggest potential connection between the developmental issues and the minimal exposure to any sort of chemical around the hospital. During labor, most of the developing brain parts are usually adequately progressing if at all there has been no history of prolonged exposure to certain harmful chemicals. The studies that have been done so far show conclusive evidence for occurrences and links prior to birth, but none point the implications of the labor and birth situation during the actual process or during visits. Therefore, more research is necessary to substantiate this claim.
References
Waters, H. (2011). Autism, authenticated. Nature Medicine, 17(11), 1336–1338. http://doi.org/10.1038/nm1111-1336
