Researchers, employees, and students may work with chemicals that are known or suspected of posing a hazard to human reproduction or to chemicals that are known or suspected of causing cancer. Stanford has a comprehensive Reproductive and Developmental Health Protection Program and employees, students, and researchers are encouraged to seek an individualized assessment from EHS to minimize their risk of exposure to these chemicals and other agents. Many people prefer to educate themselves privately, so we’ve provided this list of common chemicals that have reproductive hazards or are known/suspected carcinogens. This list is not comprehensive and does not include any biological, radiological, or physical hazards. In addition to this list, other methods to identify chemical hazards include the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS), the California Proposition 65 list, and the IARC list. ChemTracker can be used to identify all chemical reproductive hazards and carcinogens in the lab’s inventory by selecting “Reproductive Hazard” or “Carcinogen – All” in the Hazard Group field of the Regulation/Hazard/Storage section of the search page.
This table of common hazards also includes recommendations to reduce exposure. Additional methods to control exposures are discussed in Section 4.0 of the Reproductive and Developmental Health Program. Please reach out to secure-repro-dev-health@lists.stanford.edu with any questions, using “Secure: [Subject]” in the subject line of the email.
Table Notes
¹California Proposition 65 Laws and Regulations: Proposition 65 requires businesses to warn Californians about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Exposure to these chemicals may take place when products are acquired or used. Exposure may also occur in California’s homes, workplaces, or other environments. Proposition 65 enables Californians to make informed decisions about their exposure to these chemicals by requiring that this information be provided.
2Agents Classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monographs
| Group 1 |
Carcinogenic to humans |
122 agents |
| Group 2A |
Probably carcinogenic to humans |
93 agents |
| Group 2B |
Possibly carcinogenic to humans |
319 agents |
| Group 3 |
Not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans |
501 agents |
3 Snorkel trunk: When using a snorkel to capture isoflurane waste gas, ensure that the distance between the snorkel face and isoflurane waste gas sources (e.g., induction chamber and nose cone) must be no more than 6-9 inches to ensure effective capture. If the snorkel trunk does not have labels indicating annual testing and certification, contact EH&S for an assessment.
4Tare method: While working in a laboratory hood, the chemical is added to a pre-weighed container. The container is then sealed and can be re-weighed outside of the hood. If the chemical needs to be added or removed, this manipulation is carried out in the hood. In this manner, all open chemical handling is conducted in the laboratory hood.
5Full contact is associated with procedures that require total immersion or frequent intermittent contact of gloves with a chemical. This is mainly associated with job duties in an industrial setting.
6 Splash contact is a procedure associated with small scale contamination due to splashing. Example: decanting large volumes of chemicals.
References
Lane, M. K., Garedew, M., Deary, E. C., Coleman, C. N., Ahrens-Víquez, M. M., Erythropel, H. C., Zimmerman, J. B., & Anastas, P. T. (2022). What to expect when expecting in lab: A review of unique risks and resources for pregnant researchers in the Chemical Laboratory. Chemical Research in Toxicology, 35(2), 163–198. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00380
McGeough, C. P., Mear, S. J., & Jamison, T. F. (2021). A call for increased focus on reproductive health within lab safety culture. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 143(32), 12422–12427. https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.1c03725
How to use this tool
Users can search and view this table to locate information about reproductive hazards they may work with in order to help reduce their repro hazard exposure.
Representative Safety Data Sheet Link: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/sds/sial/d8001
CA Prop 65 Listing1: N/A
IARC Group2: N/A
Known or Suspected Reproductive or Developmental Hazards or Carcinogens per SDS under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS): H341- Suspected of causing genetic defects, H350- May cause cancer
Safety measure recommendations: Handle in a chemical fume hood. Wear PPE including lab coat, safety glasses, and chemical resistant gloves, and proper lab attire (long pants and closed-toed shoes)
Gloves recommendation:
- Full contact: nitrile rubber with a minimum layer thickness of 0.11 mm; breakthrough time 480 mins such as KCL 741 Dermatril® L.
- Splash contact: Nitrile rubber with a minimum layer thickness of 0.11 mm; breakthrough time 480 mins such as KCL 741 Dermatril® L
Representative Safety Data Sheet Link: Document Connect (thermofisher.com)
CA Prop 65 Listing1: Developmental Toxicity
IARC Group2: N/A
Known or Suspected Reproductive or Developmental Hazards or Carcinogens per SDS under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS): H360 – May damage fertility or the unborn child
Safety measure recommendations: Handle in a chemical fume hood. Wear PPE including lab coat, safety glasses, and chemical resistant gloves, and proper lab attire (long pants and closed-toed shoes)
Gloves recommendation:
- Full contact: nitrile rubber with a minimum layer thickness of 0.11 mm; breakthrough time 480 mins such as Dermatril® (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272).
- Splash contact: Nitrile rubber with a minimum thickness of 0.11
Representative Safety Data Sheet Link: 89273 (sigmaaldrich.com)
CA Prop 65 Listing1: N/A
IARC Group2: N/A
Known or Suspected Reproductive or Developmental Hazards or Carcinogens per SDS under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS): H360 – May damage fertility or the unborn child
Safety measure recommendations: Handle in a chemical fume hood. Wear PPE including lab coat, safety glasses, and chemical-resistant gloves, and proper lab attire (long pants and closed-toed shoes)
Gloves recommendation:
- Full contact: nitrile rubber with a minimum layer thickness of 0.11 mm; breakthrough time 480 mins such as KCL 741 Dermatril® L.
- Splash contact: Nitrile rubber with a minimum layer thickness of 0.11 mm; breakthrough time 480 mins such as KCL 741 Dermatril® L
Representative Safety Data Sheet Link: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/sds/mm/444203
CA Prop 65 Listing1: N/A
IARC Group2: N/A
Known or Suspected Reproductive or Developmental Hazards or Carcinogens per SDS under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS): H361: Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child
Safety measure recommendations: Handle in a chemical fume hood. Wear PPE including lab coat, safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves, and proper lab attire (long pants and closed-toed shoes)
Gloves recommendation:
- Full contact: butyl-rubber with a minimum layer thickness of 0.7 mm; breakthrough time 480 minutes such as Butoject® (KCL 898) .
- Splash contact: nitrile rubber with a minimum layer thickness of 0.4 mm; breakthrough time of 120 min such as KCL 730 / Aldrich Z677442
Representative Safety Data Sheet Link: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/sds/sigald/232696
CA Prop 65 Listing1: N/A
IARC Group2: 2B – possibly carcinogenic to humans
Known or Suspected Reproductive or Developmental Hazards or Carcinogens per SDS under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS): H360: May damage fertility or the unborn child, H341: Suspected of causing genetic defects, H351: Suspected of causing cancer
Safety measure recommendations: Handle in a chemical fume hood. Wear PPE, including lab coat, safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves, and proper lab attire (long pants and closed-toed shoes)
Gloves recommendation:
- Full contact: nitrile rubber with a minimum layer thickness of 0.11 mm; breakthrough time 480 mins such as KCL 741 Dermatril®.
- Splash contact: Nitrile rubber with a minimum layer thickness of 0.11 mm; breakthrough time 480 mins such as KCL 741 Dermatril® L
Representative Safety Data Sheet Link: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/sds/SIAL/288306
CA Prop 65 Listing1: Cancer; Developmental Toxicity
IARC Group2: 2B – possibly carcinogenic to humans
Known or Suspected Reproductive or Developmental Hazards or Carcinogens per SDS under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS): H351: Suspected of causing cancer, H361: Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child.
Safety measure recommendations: Handle in a chemical fume hood. Wear PPE, including lab coat, safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves, and proper lab attire (long pants and closed-toed shoes)
Gloves recommendation:
- Full contact: nitrile rubber with a minimum layer thickness of 0.11 mm; breakthrough time 480 mins such as KCL 741 Dermatril®.
- Splash contact: Nitrile rubber with a minimum layer thickness of 0.11 mm; breakthrough time 480 mins such as KCL 741 Dermatril® L
Representative Safety Data Sheet Link: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/sds/sial/32425
CA Prop 65 Listing1: Cancer;
IARC Group2: 1 – Carcinogenic to Humans
Known or Suspected Reproductive or Developmental Hazards or Carcinogens per SDS under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS): H350: May cause cancer, H30: May damage fertility or the unborn child.
Safety measure recommendations: Handle in a chemical fume hood. Wear PPE, including lab coat, safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves, and proper lab attire (long pants and closed-toed shoes)
Gloves recommendation:
- Full contact: nitrile rubber with a minimum layer thickness of 0.11 mm; breakthrough time 480 mins such as Dermatril® (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272).
- Splash contact: Nitrile rubber with a minimum thickness of 0.11 mm; breakthrough time 480 mins such as (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272)
Representative Safety Data Sheet Link: Dabrafenib (GSK2118436) | Safety Data Sheet (selleckchem.com)
CA Prop 65 Listing1: N/A
IARC Group2: N/A
Known or Suspected Reproductive or Developmental Hazards or Carcinogens per SDS under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS): R62 – Possible risk of impaired fertility, R63- Possible risk of harm to unborn child.
Safety measure recommendations: Handle in a chemical fume hood. Wear PPE, including lab coat, safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves, and proper lab attire (long pants and closed-toed shoes)
Gloves recommendation:Chemical-resistant rubber gloves per the SDS
Representative Safety Data Sheet Link: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/sds/sial/459836
CA Prop 65 Listing1: Developmental toxicity (Ingestion only)
IARC Group2: 1 – Carcinogenic to Humans
Known or Suspected Reproductive or Developmental Hazards or Carcinogens per SDS under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS): Confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans.
Safety measure recommendations: Handle in a chemical fume hood. Wear PPE, including lab coat, safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves, and proper lab attire (long pants and closed-toed shoes)
Gloves recommendation:
Representative Safety Data Sheet Link: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/sds/mm/1.11615
CA Prop 65 Listing1: N/A
IARC Group2: N/A
Known or Suspected Reproductive or Developmental Hazards or Carcinogens per SDS under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS): H341: Suspected of causing genetic defects
Safety measure recommendations: Handle in a chemical fume hood. Wear PPE including lab coat, safety glasses, and chemical resistant gloves, and proper lab attire (long pants and closed-toed shoes)
Gloves recommendation:
- Full contact: nitrile rubber with a minimum layer thickness of 0.11 mm; breakthrough time 480 mins such as KCL 741 Dermatril® L.
- Splash contact: Nitrile rubber with a minimum layer thickness of 0.11 mm; breakthrough time 480 mins such as KCL 741 Dermatril® L
Representative Safety Data Sheet Link: 442534 (sigmaaldrich.com)
CA Prop 65 Listing1: Cancer
IARC Group2: 1 – Carcinogenic to Humans
Known or Suspected Reproductive or Developmental Hazards or Carcinogens per SDS under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS): H351 – Suspected of causing cancer, H-360 – May cause harm to breast-fed children, H362 – May cause harm to breast-fed children
Safety measure recommendations: Handle in a chemical fume hood. Wear PPE including lab coat, safety glasses, and chemical resistant gloves, and proper lab attire (long pants and closed-toed shoes).
Gloves recommendation:
Representative Safety Data Sheet Link: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/sds/sigald/295876
CA Prop 65 Listing1: N/A
IARC Group2: N/A
Known or Suspected Reproductive or Developmental Hazards or Carcinogens per SDS under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS): H351- Suspected of causing cancer. H360 – May damage fertility or the unborn child.
Safety measure recommendations: Handle in a chemical fume hood. Wear PPE including lab coat, safety glasses, and chemical resistant gloves, and proper lab attire (long pants and closed-toed shoes).
Gloves recommendation:
Representative Safety Data Sheet Link: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/sds/sial/675393
CA Prop 65 Listing1: Male reproductive toxicity
IARC Group2: N/A
Known or Suspected Reproductive or Developmental Hazards or Carcinogens per SDS under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS): H361- Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child
Safety measure recommendations: Handle in a chemical fume hood. Wear PPE including lab coat, safety glasses, and chemical resistant gloves, and proper lab attire (long pants and closed-toed shoes).
Gloves recommendation:
Representative Safety Data Sheet Link: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/sds/sial/675393
CA Prop 65 Listing1: Cancer
IARC Group2: 2B – possibly carcinogenic to humans
Known or Suspected Reproductive or Developmental Hazards or Carcinogens per SDS under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS): H350: May cause cancer
Safety measure recommendations:
Handle in a chemical fume hood.
Wear PPE including lab coat, safety glasses, and chemical resistant gloves, and proper lab attire (long pants and closed-toed shoes)
Gloves recommendation: Chemical-resistant gloves – no specific glove types are recommended per SDS.
Representative Safety Data Sheet Link:
https://www.zoetis.ca/sds/technical-documents/isoflo-canadian-english-sds.pdf; https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/sds/aldrich/792632
CA Prop 65 Listing1: N/A
IARC Group2: N/A
Known or Suspected Reproductive or Developmental Hazards or Carcinogens per SDS under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS): N/A
Safety measure recommendations: When working with isoflurane, use active waste gas scavenging methods (e.g., chemical fume hood, snorkel trunk ³, EVAC-4, RWD).
Recommendations of safe work practice with isoflurane can be found here: https://ehs.stanford.edu/wp-content/uploads/Waste-Anesthetic-Gas-Factsheet.pdf
Wear proper PPE and lab attire
*Note, while isoflurane is not listed as a carcinogen or reproductive hazard on IARC, Prop 65, or SDSs, NIOSH does recognize that exposure to anesthetic gases can increase risk of miscarriage.
Gloves recommendation:Chemical-resistant gloves – no specific glove types are recommended per SDS.
Representative Safety Data Sheet Link:
https://beta-static.fishersci.com/content/dam/fishersci/en_US/documents/programs/education/regulatory-documents/sds/gsc-lead-safety-data-sheet.pdf
CA Prop 65 Listing1:Cancer; Developmental toxicity, Male Reproductive Toxicity, Female Reproductive Toxicity
IARC Group2: 2A – Probably carcinogenic to humans
Known or Suspected Reproductive or Developmental Hazards or Carcinogens per SDS under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS): H350 – May cause cancer
H360 – May damage fertility or the unborn child
Safety measure recommendations:Handle in a chemical fume hood. Wear PPE including lab coat, safety glasses, and chemical resistant gloves, and proper lab attire (long pants and closed-toed shoes)
Gloves recommendation:
- Full contact: nitrile rubber with a minimum layer thickness of 0.11 mm; breakthrough time 480 mins such as KCL 741 Dermatril® L
- Splash contact: nitrile rubber with a minimum layer thickness of 0.11 mm; breakthrough time 480 mins such as KCL 741 Dermatril® L
Representative Safety Data Sheet Link:
https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/sds/sigald/34860
CA Prop 65 Listing1: Developmental toxicity
IARC Group2: N/A
Known or Suspected Reproductive or Developmental Hazards or Carcinogens per SDS under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS): N/A
Safety measure recommendations: Handle in a chemical fume hood. Wear PPE including lab coat, safety glasses, and chemical resistant gloves, and proper lab attire (long pants and closed-toed shoes)
Gloves recommendation:
Representative Safety Data Sheet Link:
https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/sds/sial/270997
CA Prop 65 Listing1: Cancer
IARC Group2: 2A – Probably carcinogenic to humans
Known or Suspected Reproductive or Developmental Hazards or Carcinogens per SDS under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS): H351: Suspected of causing cancer
Safety measure recommendations:Handle in a chemical fume hood. Wear PPE including lab coat, safety glasses, and chemical resistant gloves, and proper lab attire (long pants and closed-toed shoes)
Gloves recommendation:
Representative Safety Data Sheet Link:
https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/sds/sigald/215465
CA Prop 65 Listing1: N/A
IARC Group2: N/A
Known or Suspected Reproductive or Developmental Hazards or Carcinogens per SDS under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS): H341- Suspected of causing genetic defects
H361- Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child.
Safety measure recommendations: Handle in a chemical fume hood. Wear PPE including lab coat, safety glasses, and chemical resistant gloves, and proper lab attire (long pants and closed-toed shoes)
Gloves recommendation:
- Full contact: nitrile rubber with a minimum layer thickness of 0.11 mm; breakthrough time 480 mins such as KCL 741 Dermatril® L
- Splash contact: nitrile rubber with a minimum layer thickness of 0.11 mm; breakthrough time 480 mins such as KCL 741 Dermatril® L
Representative Safety Data Sheet Link:
https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/sds/sigma/m4287
CA Prop 65 Listing1: Cancer
IARC Group2:2B – possibly carcinogenic to humans
Known or Suspected Reproductive or Developmental Hazards or Carcinogens per SDS under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS): H351- Suspected of causing cancer
Safety measure recommendations: Handle in a chemical fume hood. Wear PPE including lab coat, safety glasses, and chemical resistant gloves, and proper lab attire (long pants and closed-toed shoes)
Gloves recommendation:
- Full contact: nitrile rubber with a minimum layer thickness of 0.11 mm; breakthrough time 480 mins such as Dermatril® (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272)
- Splash contact: Nitrile rubber with a minimum thickness of 0.11 mm; breakthrough time 480 mins such as (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272)
Representative Safety Data Sheet Link:
https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/sds/aldrich/295590
CA Prop 65 Listing1:Developmental Toxicity, Female Reproductive Toxicity
IARC Group2: N/A
Known or Suspected Reproductive or Developmental Hazards or Carcinogens per SDS under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS): N/A
Safety measure recommendations: Handle in a chemical fume hood. Wear PPE including lab coat, safety glasses, and chemical resistant gloves, and proper lab attire (long pants and closed-toed shoes)
Gloves recommendation:
- Full contact: butyl-rubber with a minimum layer thickness of 0.3 mm; breakthrough time 480 mins. Materials tested information is not available in the SDS
- Splash contact: chloroprene with a minimum layer thickness of 0.6 mm; breakthrough time 60 mins. Materials tested information is not available in the SDS
Representative Safety Data Sheet Link:
https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/sds/mm/8.06072
CA Prop 65 Listing1: N/A
IARC Group2: N/A
Known or Suspected Reproductive or Developmental Hazards or Carcinogens per SDS under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS): H360- May damage fertility or the unborn child.
Safety measure recommendations: Handle in a chemical fume hood. Wear PPE including lab coat, safety glasses, and chemical resistant gloves, and proper lab attire (long pants and closed-toed shoes)
Gloves recommendation:
Representative Safety Data Sheet Link:
https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/sds/aldrich/w322340
CA Prop 65 Listing1:Considered, but not listed as reproductive toxicity
IARC Group2: N/A
Known or Suspected Reproductive or Developmental Hazards or Carcinogens per SDS under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS): H341 – Germ cell mutagenicity
Safety measure recommendations: Handle in a chemical fume hood. Wear PPE including lab coat, safety glasses, and chemical resistant gloves, and proper lab attire (long pants and closed-toed shoes)
Gloves recommendation:
Representative Safety Data Sheet Link:
https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/sds/sial/81845?userType=anonymous
CA Prop 65 Listing1: N/A
IARC Group2: N/A
Known or Suspected Reproductive or Developmental Hazards or Carcinogens per SDS under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS): H341- Germ cell mutagenicity
Safety measure recommendations: Handle in a chemical fume hood. Wear PPE including lab coat, safety glasses, and chemical resistant gloves, and proper lab attire (long pants and closed-toed shoes)
Gloves recommendation: No specific glove listed on SDS or glove manufacturer websites.
Representative Safety Data Sheet Link:
ct01-5 (sigmaaldrich.com)
CA Prop 65 Listing1: N/A
IARC Group2: N/A
Known or Suspected Reproductive or Developmental Hazards or Carcinogens per SDS under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS): H341 – Suspected of causing genetic defects
Safety measure recommendations: Handle in a chemical fume hood. Wear PPE including lab coat, safety glasses, and chemical resistant gloves, and proper lab attire (long pants and closed-toed shoes)
Gloves recommendation:
- Full contact: nitrile rubber with a minimum layer thickness of 0.11 mm; breakthrough time 480 mins such as KCL 741 Dermatril® L
- Splash contact: nitrile rubber with a minimum layer thickness of 0.11 mm; breakthrough time 480 mins such as KCL 741 Dermatril® L
Representative Safety Data Sheet Link:
https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/sds/mm/579000?userType=anonymous
CA Prop 65 Listing1:Developmental toxicity
IARC Group2:1 – Carcinogenic to Humans
Known or Suspected Reproductive or Developmental Hazards or Carcinogens per SDS under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS): H350- Carcinogenicity
H360- Reproductive toxicity
Safety measure recommendations: Handle in a chemical fume hood. Wear PPE including lab coat, safety glasses, and chemical resistant gloves, and proper lab attire (long pants and closed-toed shoes)
Gloves recommendation: Chemical-resistant gloves: consider wearing double nitrile gloves
Representative Safety Data Sheet Link:
https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/sds/sial/244511
CA Prop 65 Listing1:Developmental Toxicity
IARC Group2: 3 – Not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans
Known or Suspected Reproductive or Developmental Hazards or Carcinogens per SDS under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS): H361- Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child.
Safety measure recommendations: Handle in a chemical fume hood. Wear PPE including lab coat, safety glasses, and chemical resistant gloves, and proper lab attire (long pants and closed-toed shoes)
Gloves recommendation:
