My sister works in a jewelry shop is it safe for her to work there when pregnant?

Question

She and her husband would like to have their first child but she is worried about the chemicals/materials, if they would harm her pregnancy. She works in a shop that sets/polishes/repairs jewelry.

I know they do plating, she did rodium on a few rings for me. I will check up on the other chemicals. Thanks!!!!

Answer 1

I'm recently retired from 20+ years in the jewelry business. I spent many of those years designing and manufacturing.

Initially, I would ask you if the shop where your sister works also does any plating. There are chemicals used in the plating process that can be very harmful to anyone, particularly rhodium.

If there is manufacturing going on, lost wax casting, the fumes from the wax "burnout" should definitely be avoided.

It is also not unusual for cyanide to be used in cleaning processes. Does this shop use that?

The chemicals I used on a daily basis were really quite harmless. If your sister is working the bench, then she already knows the chemicals being used. I would make some inquiries into what chemicals are being used on-site and refer to safety data sheets as well.

I don't want to discount secondary exposure, and I'm not dispensing medical advice here, but all should be well.

Answer 2

She herself might get sick from the smell of the chemicals/materials. When you're pregnant your, sense of smell becomes more sensitive.The smell of the chemicals may bother her. I would say to continue working there until it begins to bothering her but don't take my word on it. Have to ask her doctor. Good luck and best wishes to your sister!

Answer 3

It depends on what chemicals she is around. Have her ask for their MSDS sheets which should detail any hazardous exposure... then she should speak specifically about the chemicals with her doctor.

She should be careful - certain household chemicals are restricted when pregnant.

So sweet that you are concerned about your future neice or nephew!