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| Posted on 8/23/07 at 04:37 PM | |
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As a high school screen printing instructor, I have always tried to make my shop as safe as humanly possible (ventilation, green solvents, eye protection, respirators, aprons, gloves etc.) This week a pregnant student was enrolled in my printing class. I cautioned her about the possible dangers of even small amounts of toxic substances (i.e. aluminum in metallic inks) that could possibly harm a fetus. I suggested she get a note from her husband (he's 18, she's 15)that stated his concerns and wait until after the baby was born to take my class. I also informed the administration of my concern and recommended that she not take the class. I figure it was better to err on the side of caution rather than to have her exposed and risk complications or worse. Unbelievably, the principal balked at putting her in another class and told me I was to list all of the possible harmful chemicals in my shop and he would let a doctor decide whether she stayed in the class or not. I checked all my MSDS sheets...no mention of effects on pregnant women for any solvents, inks etc. I called SGIA and they told me to let the doctor decide which would relieve me of liability. I didn't feel comfortable with that answer...I wondered how many doctors are up on all the chemicals used in the industry. I have a call in to the Colorado OSHA office (schools aren't under the jurisdiction of OSHA) for advice. I've called my local distributor for help...he has never had that question asked of him before. I plan on contacting the manufacturers for specific info on the effect on pregnant women. I had little results googling for studies, research, and specific guidelines...mostly very general info. The other side of this is that it was suggested by the asst. principal that if my shop is unsafe for pregnant women, maybe it's not safe for the other students and maybe the administration should shut our very successful program down. Also with regards to the previous posting, does anyone know where to find more info on chemical effects on pregnant women? Also, what rebuttals should I offer to the administration on why our program is not safe for pregnant women but safe for other students? I'm really struggling with this one. Replies much appreciated.... Dave Pence, teacher Arapahoe Ridge HS Boulder, CO dave.pence@bvsd.org | ||
 
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