Reproductive Health Effects

Exposures of Concern

"We know of relatively few chemicals that have adverse effects on reproduction, but we are completely ignorant of the potential reproductive toxicity of more than 90% of (the tens of thousands of) industrial chemicals to which people are exposed."5

Much of the knowledge of environmental effects on reproductive outcome stems from studies of acute toxic exposures, frequently in the occupational setting. Another set of evidence showing adverse reproductive effects comes exclusively from experimental and wildlife studies of animals exposed to environmental pollutants.

Our understanding of the impact on human reproduction of chronic low-level exposure to various environmental toxicants is woefully incomplete. Researchers suggest, however, that since we are exposed throughout our lifetimes to numerous substances that have demonstrated reproductive effects in animals, it is reasonable to assume that human reproductive health is being or may be compromised.6

Environmental Toxicants

Some of the environmental factors associated with reproductive toxicity include metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium, organic solvents such as toluene and ethylene glycol ethers, and pesticides and endocrine disruptors such as PCBs, dioxin and phthalates, etc. The known or speculated effects of these toxicants are considered according the developmental stage of the reproductive system.

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