Q: I am six weeks pregnant and exposed to alcohol vapour (ethanol) in laboratory for 5 to 10 minutes. What are the risks to have an abnrmal fetus due to this?

A:Fetal alcohol syndrome can occur if there is prenatal exposure to ethanol and is seen in babies of alcoholic women who drink heavily and chronically during pregnancy. This results in a distinct pattern of congenital malformations that includes intrauterine and postnatal growth deficiency, a distinctive pattern of physical malformation, and behavioral/cognitive impairment such as fine motor dysfunction and metal retardation. Not all affected children have all of the features of the syndrome. Inhalation of high concentrations may cause central nervous system effects characterized by nausea, headache, dizziness, unconsciousness and coma and may cause respiratory tract irritation. Toxic levels are about 1000 ppm TWA or 1900 mg/cum TWA There is absolutely no cause for you to worry.