Chemicals Affecting Male Infertility

As discussed earlier, male infertility has been associated with exposures to xenobiotic chemicals. Though affects have been reported for single chemicals, most are based on laboratory testing on animals, since most environmental exposures to humans come from mixtures. Some data, however, has been collected from infertility induced by industrial and environmental exposures. Table 23.3 contains a partial list of chemicals associated with male infertility. I48,58-66 These chemicals include pesticides, heavy metals, and industrial chemicals. 

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Chemicals can also directly affect male reproductive organs or sperm. Decreased sperm count, decreased sperm motility, or abnormalities can result in male sterility or reduced fertility. For example, occupational exposure to lead can result in infertility due to sperm abnormalities. Male sterility can also result from exposure to the fungicide dibromochloropropane (DBCP). Drugs or chemicals, such as... 

A case-control study of the effects of occupational exposures on male infertility found that a mixture of styrene = 2.95) and acetone = —0.24) affects the male genital system and leads to impotence, infertility, and increased SABs in their wives [77]. Similar effects were reported following workplace exposures to pesticides, heavy metals, and other chemicals. No mechanism(s) for the actions of these chemicals were reported. 

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