Ionising radiation
Exposure to ionising radiation poses a risk to the unborn child.
As soon as a pregnant woman informs her employer of her condition, the employer must ensure that the dose to the foetus does not exceed 1 mSv for the remainder of the pregnancy. If the pregnant employee wishes, the employer must, as far as practicable, offer alternative tasks or reassignment.
The Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority provides the following guidelines:
- Dose is safely assessed to be less than 1 mSv: The pregnant employee can continue with her tasks as before the pregnancy without additional precautions.
- Dose is estimated to be less than 1 mSv: The pregnant employee can continue with her tasks as before the pregnancy, potentially with additional measures to reduce radiation exposure.
- Dose is estimated to exceed 1 mSv: The pregnant employee must be reassigned to tasks with a lower likelihood of radiation exposure or transferred to other work where she is not exposed to ionising radiation.
Non-ionising electromagnetic radiation
It cannot be ruled out that exposure to electromagnetic or magnetic fields may pose an increased risk to the unborn child. The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority therefore recommends minimising exposure through health and safety measures.
Work at computer screens is not associated with radiation hazards. Comparative studies of pregnant women in various professions show that those working with screens do not experience more pregnancy-related issues than other women.