This sheet is about exposure to perchloroethylene in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. What is perchloroethylene? Perchloroethylene (PCE) is a chemical that has been used as a degreaser and as a dry-cleaning agent. It has also been in paints, spot removers, printing inks, household cleaners and glues. Other names for PCE include PERC, perchlor and tetrachloroethylene. How would I be …
The Baby Blog: Environment & Natural Disasters
Paint
This sheet is about exposure to paint in a pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. What is paint? In general, paint is made up of pigment particles (color) in a liquid base called the medium. There are two broad categories of paint: oil paints (oil/alkyd-based medium) or latex paints (water-based medium). Oil paints are thinned or cleaned with paint thinners including turpentine or mineral …
Mold
This sheet is about exposure to mold in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare providers. What is mold? Molds are fungi that are able to live almost anywhere, indoors and outdoors. They grow best in warm, damp, and humid places, including water damaged areas. Molds can be different colors and can have a musty, earthy smell. They spread by releasing spores that can pass through the air and be carried on …
Insect Repellents
This sheet is about exposure to insect repellents in a pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. What are insect repellents? Insect repellents are lotions, sprays, or oils that are put on skin or clothing to lower the chance of bites from mosquitoes, flies, ticks, and spiders (“insects”). Insects can carry serious diseases such as malaria, Lyme disease, West Nile virus, and Zika virus. Some insect …
Breastfeeding Following a Natural Disaster
This sheet is about the possible exposures during breastfeeding after a natural disaster. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. What could I be exposed to in a natural disaster? While many substances enter breast milk, most are not likely to harm a breastfed baby. In most cases, the benefits of breastfeeding far outweigh any risk from an exposure. However, if you notice anything unusual in your nursing baby, tell your …
