Cleaning products and birth defects-Help

[melissajoseph]

Hello,

I just learned that I am pregnant. But just last week without knowing I was pregnant, we put our house on sale and I did massive house cleaning. I used several cleaning products including glass cleaner, CLR, Mr.Clean all purpose cleaner, bleach powder and bleach liquid without using gloves for 2 consecutive days. Most of these were pumps and not aerosol sprays. I was continually using them, so would believe I would have had atleast 8 hours of exposure though whiffs, and through the skin.

I believe I would have been 9 days pregnant while doing this cleaning. Everywhere I read, it says cleaning products cause birth defects. Now I am paranoid that I may have caused my baby a big harm. Pl let me know how I would have been affected.

[Kricket212]

I am sure you are fine.  I have a friend who didn't know she was pregnant & was going out  drinking on weekends for like 2 months.  She wound up to have healthy pregnancy.

Pum summed it up best.

[Pum]

Hi there,

Please try not to worry too much. At 9 days pregnant implantation may only just have occurred or not at all ie there would be no blood transfer yet. I am a chemist and know a bit about paint and solvents. I think everything will be fine but of course, good to avoid exposure now you know you are pregnant. Congratulations by the way.

Another option is that you could phone the helplines on the labels.
I found some reassuring stuff on-line that is from a reputable site. Steer clear of the worrying ones:


Dr. Moore explains that no typical household chemicals are recognized teratogens. Simply put, a teratogen is an agent, either chemical or biological, that causes malformation of a fetus. "So that means they probably will not cause birth defects," Dr. Moore says.

Dr. Moore adds that it has not been determined whether chronic exposure of pregnant women to such agents has a long-term neurological effect on babies and children, "but there is no data I am aware of showing clearly they are dangerous." However, the rule of thumb is to limit exposure to such chemicals, such as a change in work environment for pregnant women who use such chemicals on the job, and to use the protection of rubber gloves and a well-ventilated room when using such products at home.

In addition, pregnant women should allow someone else to paint the nursery. According to Dr. Moore, "Newer water-based paints are theoretically safer. They should be applied ideally by someone other than the pregnant person and the house should be well-ventilated." If the expectant mom must paint the room, Dr. Moore advises to keep the room well-ventilated.