Environmental Risks

Key Concepts/Main Points

• Exposure to some common chemicals can increase your risk of health problems and lead to complications with your health and future pregnancy.
• Pinpoint environmental hazards in her home and come up with an environmentally healthy solution.

Questions to Ask Yourself

• Do you use any chemicals in your home or yard?
• Do you have a cat?
• What year was your home built?
• Do you smoke? Are you around anybody that does?
• What is the main source of your drinking water?
• How many times a week do you eat seafood?

Environmental Risks at Home

• Drinking water
• Air Pollution
• Pesticides
• Mercury
• Listeriosis
• Toxoplasmosis
• Herbal Supplements
• Vitamin A
• Thalidomide

Environmental Risks

• Chemicals
• Metals
• Pesticides
• Radiation
• Strenuous labor
• Viruses

Instructor Tips:
Section Goal: Increase awareness of the relationship between environmental hazards and outcomes of birth and health.