An Examination of Occupational Exposures and Reproductive Health among Women Firefighters: A Literature Review

Abstract

This review identifies and summarizes the current state of the literature on the reproductive health of women firefighters. Several alarming exposures were noted including chemical, biological, and non-chemical occupational risk factors. The existing literature supports an association between firefighting and higher rates of miscarriage, birth defects, labor and delivery difficulties, fetal mortality, possible fertility issues, and newborn health complications (e.g., jaundice, low birth weight). A significant gap in the literature was identified despite the growing concern among women firefighters regarding reproductive health, signaling the crucial need for further research. Consequently, the lack of research has precipitated uncertainty concerning appropriate firefighting duties during pregnancy and safe return to work post-partum, leading to an absence of effective policy and, in some cases, no policy within fire departments.