Female vets face twice the fertility risk

West Australian researchers have voiced concern in light of findings which reveal female veterinarians who fail to safeguard themselves from x-rays and anaesthetic gases face double the risk of miscarriage.

The research, published in the most recent edition of the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine, was carried out by scientists at the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR) and The University of Western Australia's School Of Population Health.

WAIMR Associate Professor Lin Fritschi said the study of more than 1,200 female graduates from Australian veterinary schools over a 40-year period showed that occupational dangers such as x-rays, anaesthetic gases and pesticides could have a devastating effect on pregnancy and fertility.

Source: Research Australia