Outcome of pregnancy in women engaged in laboratory work at a petrochemical plant

The aim of the investigation was to study whether laboratory work or other types of chemical work at one petrochemical plant were associated with an increased risk for miscarriage or reduced birthweight. The study was based on questionnaire data for 95% of the women working at the plant between 1973 and 1987. A statistically significant difference between observed and expected number of miscarriages (p less than 0.05) was seen during the period 1970-1974 among women working in one of the laboratories during the first trimester. No suspicions could be raised against any specific chemical as a cause of the unsuccessful pregnancies. The results do not indicate the presence of an increased risk today.