EXPOSURE TO METHYL ISOCYANATE (MIC) IN PREGNANCY
Date of issue: November 2017, Version: 1.2
Methyl isocyanate (MIC) is a clear, colourless, pungent liquid with lacrimatory properties formed as a chemical intermediate during the production of carbamate insecticides. It is also used in the production of rubber, polyurethane foams, plastics and adhesives.
The available published data regarding MIC exposure during pregnancy relates to women exposed during the Bhopal disaster of 1984. This limited information does not indicate an increased risk of congenital malformation in the offspring of women who lived in the affected area, but is insufficient to exclude any increased risk. Exposure to MIC was associated with an increased incidence of spontaneous abortion, neonatal mortality and lower birth and placental weight. It is unclear whether this is as a consequence of maternal toxicity or due to maternal stress that may have occurred in the aftermath of the disaster.
In experimental studies placental weight was reduced in mice exposed to MIC. Together with the findings from Bhopal, this may suggest a possible mechanism for interruption of normal fetal growth.
In the event of MIC exposure in a pregnant patient, maternal toxicity is likely to be a major determinant of risk to the fetus. There are no guidelines regarding the treatment of MIC poisoning during pregnancy. Where management is required, treatment should be the same as for a non-pregnant patient.
Where exposure to MIC has occurred, whether or not there is associated maternal toxicity, close monitoring of fetal growth is warranted. Discussion with UKTIS is recommended.
This is a summary of the full UKTIS monograph for health care professionals and should not be used in isolation. The full UKTIS monograph and access to any hyperlinked related documents is available to NHS health care professionals who are logged in.
If you have a patient with exposure to a drug or chemical and require assistance in making a patient-specific risk assessment, please telephone UKTIS on 0344 892 0909 to discuss the case with a teratology specialist.
If you would like to report a pregnancy to UKTIS please click here to download our pregnancy reporting form. Please encourage all women to complete an online reporting form.