| | Pregnancy and Working with Photo Chemicals We are frequently asked about the potential hazards of working with photographic processing chemicals during pregnancy and if this presents a health concern for the mother or fetus. We are aware of no substantiated reports of adverse reproductive effects among people working with KODAK photoprocessing products. All users are encouraged to follow the handling instructions on the product labels and material safety data sheets (MSDS) and abide by applicable country-specific regulations concerning potential occupational exposures during pregnancy. In addition, if you are pregnant, you should also provide your physician with this information. A general recommendation is to minimize skin, eye, and inhalation exposure by using good industrial hygiene practices. These include the use of gloves or tongs (for use in tray processing), goggles or other eye protection, rubber aprons or other suitable protective clothing, and working in a well-ventilated area. Unless otherwise stated on the MSDS, good industrial strength neoprene rubber or nitrile gloves should be used whenever there is a potential for skin contact. There are no chemicals in any Kodak photoprocessing product associated with adverse reproductive effects in humans. There are a limited number of Kodak photochemical products that contain a minor component that has been associated with reproductive toxicity in animals through feeding studies. Ingestion, the route of exposure in these laboratory studies, is not an expected route of exposure for humans working with these photoprocessing chemicals. For these products, information regarding the potential health hazards, in addition to safe handling guidelines, can be found on the product label and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs). There is no evidence that any component of or emission from a Kodak photoprocessing chemical can cause reproductive effects in animals or humans by skin contact or through inhalation. Typical airborne emissions from Kodak photographic processing solutions can include irritating gasses such as sulfur dioxide, ammonia, and acetic acid. Since these chemicals may have unpleasant odors, they can be detected at low concentrations in the air. The ability to detect a chemical by odor does not mean that it is present at a concentration that will cause an adverse health effect. However, if room ventilation is not adequate, the vapors may cause transient headache, nausea, or eye, nose, and throat irritation. Typically, the symptoms will clear when the person is away from the exposure for a day or two and reappear when the person is again exposed. To speak with a Kodak toxicologist about this issue or any other health issue related to a Kodak product or process, please contact KES.
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