Pregnant personnel shall not work with which of the following materials?

• A. Metals
• B. Composites
• C. Ceramics
• D. Fluids

Answer: (B)

Pregnant personnel are kept away from materials that pose risks to fetal development due to chemical exposure and inhalation of hazardous substances. Composite materials used in aviation maintenance involve resin systems (like epoxies and curing agents) and reinforcing fibers. Uncured resins can emit fumes that irritate or harm the respiratory system and skin, and some components have reproductive or developmental toxicity potential. Additionally, processing composites—such as sanding or cutting—creates fine respirable dust from fibers that can be irritating or harmful if inhaled. Because of these exposure risks, working with composites is avoided for pregnant workers. Metals, ceramics, and fluids have different hazard profiles, and the policy in this context targets composites specifically due to their resin and fiber-related risks.