I would like to thank everyone that responded to my question regarding the
effects of magnetic fields on pregnancy and about policies you may have
established at your site.
I have found that the most comprehensive reference on this subject is a very
recent book entitled "Magnetic Resonance: Bioeffects, Safety, and Patient
Management" second edition, by F. G. Shellock and E. Kanal, (1996) by
Lippincott-Raven Publishers. Chapter 4 is devoted to this subject. After
siting all of the studies on the effects of both static and RF magnetic
fields on developing mice or chick embryos as well as on cell cultures, the
authors mention a study of the effects of magnetic fields on the
reproductive health of MR operators. On p. 56 they write "The data from
this extensive epidemiologic investigation were reassuring because there did
not seem to be any deleterious effects from exposure to the static magnetic
field component of the MR system. Therefore, we recommend a policy to
permit prenant health care workers to perform MR procedures, as well as to
enter the MR system room, and to attend to the patient during their
pregnancy, regardless of the trimester. We further recommend that the
health care worker not remain within the MR system room or magnet bore
during the actual operation of the device."
This information is also summarized on their web site at:
http://kanal.arad.upmc.edu/mrsafety.html
This question was also brought up to this group about four years ago by Doug
Lowman and these responses are available in the ammrl archives.
Finally, regarding the policies at other sites. I received only one
positive response to this question. One other site that responded had no
policy.
>My policy is that I don't allow women with a pregnancy of four months or less
>to enter in our NMR facilities. If you need any other help let me know.
>
> Have a nice day,
>
>JOE
>
>--
>*******************************************************************>****
>JOSE R. MARTINEZ ORTIZ
>SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTATION SPECIALIST
>UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO
>DEPT. OF CHEMISTRY Tel. (787)764-0000 x4819
>PO Box 21352 UPR Station e-mail:joenmr@uprnmr1.chem.uprr.pr
>San Juan PR 00931-1352 >http://uprnmr1.chem.uprr.pr
>*******************************************************************>****
I did receive a number of requests for this information. I hope this
summary is helpful. In the past, we have recommended that pregnant women
remain behind the 5 gauss line. We are currently reconsidering this position.
Thanks again for all of the responses.
Sincerely,
Cathy
****************************************************
Cathy Lester
Director, NMR Facility
Box 523 Baker Laboratory
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853-1301
ph: (607) 255-7593
fax: (607) 255-4137
email: ccl3@cornell.edu
***************************************************