Q: I was exposed to petrol (benzene) as it was poured in the house to control insects. My two-year-old daughter was with me too, is it safe for her? I was pregnant and became a bit dizzy for a few minutes; is that normal? I was also exposed to pesticide fumes in early pregnancy, does it have any effect on the foetus? My house got painted, paint fumes remained in the house for several days. I was also exposed to paint remover fumes which came from an open container. It had a very strong and smell, does it have any effect on the pregnancy or on my daughter?

A:Petrol spray and pesticides spray are usually inhaled in very small amounts and at the most precipitate allergic cough in your daughter. Regarding your pregnancy which appears to be of 4 weeks duration at the time of exposure, should not be affected by inhalation by sprays, unless they are consumed orally which may be toxic. Any way if the exposure is around 4 weeks of pregnancy and pregnancy survives that means the foetus has escaped the toxic effects if at all.