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CDC doesn't know effect of oil on pregnant women

Women's E-News -- On July 19, the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, reported low levels of "odor-causing pollutants associated with oil" on the Gulf shore.

Some people with sensitive noses "may be able to smell several of these chemicals at levels well below those that would cause short-term health problems," the EPA said.

The CDC noted on its Web site that pregnant women may be affected by the strong smell and advised them to "stay indoors, set your air conditioner to reuse indoor air and avoid physical activities that put extra demand on your lungs and heart."

A special respirator, N95 with an odor control feature, may help relieve nausea, although it is not needed for safety, the CDC says.

The agency also says the oil may contain chemicals that could cause harm to a fetus under some conditions.

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Submitted Jul 30, 2010 By: CruisinLinda

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kelsielee Champion Author Atlanta Posts:3,389 Points:672,025 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Aug 1, 2010 8:47:55 PM Ignore kelsielee Report Abuse Most of the CDC recommendations seem very sensible (and logical) for pregnant women. Not too hard to figure out that they should stay out of the Gulf waters.
chemist74 Champion Author Cleveland Posts:12,377 Points:2,177,015 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: Jul 31, 2010 6:03:37 AM Ignore chemist74 Report Abuse In general, there is very little data on the effect of various chemical on children or the human fetus. There is so much potential liability in doing the controlled studies that almost no one is willing to risk doing the research.
CruisinLinda Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:7,947 Points:1,621,420 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Jul 30, 2010 11:17:10 PM Ignore CruisinLinda Report Abuse The crude oil will deposit lots of mercury, arsenic, lead and other heavy metals that wash to the shore to endanger all living things.
MidNJ Champion Author New Jersey Posts:4,628 Points:739,645 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Jul 30, 2010 2:46:07 PM Ignore MidNJ Report Abuse An N-95 mask is good to filter bacteria, not molecular sized oil & dispersant that is in the air. The "odor" feature of the mask may decrease nausea, but that is only because it is masking the odor, not any potential chemical effect of the oil/dispersant. More than the effect on pregnant woman, I would be more concerned with the fetus. Long term effects will take years to discover, as we are only now discovering the after effects of the World Trade Center's destruction in 2001.