Reproductive disorders associated with exposure

Several studies have examined other possible adverse effects associated with exposure to PCDD/Fs, and these included alteration of thyroid function, gastrointestinal disorders, reproductive problems, neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, pulmonary and cardiovascular effects.71,78-88 Many of these effects have been... 

There have been some discrepancies between the results of various studies evaluating the reproductive toxicity of different OP compounds. While decreased libido has been observed in men following acute exposures to both OP nerve agents and insecticides, this reproductive effect is most hkely related to the neurobehavioral effects, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, associated with acute exposures to these chemicals (McDonough and Romano, 2008). Some nerve agents have been associated with post-implantation morbidity and mortahty in laboratory animals (Wismer,... 

Humans can be exposed to POPs through diet, occupational exposures (for example, farmworkers may be exposed to POPs through pesticides), industrial accidents and the environment (including indoor exposure). Exposure to POPs, either acute or chronic, can be associated with a wide range of adverse health effects, including illness and death (L. Ritter et al., 1995). Laboratory animal studies and wildlife studies have associated POPs with endocrine disruption, reproductive and immune dysfunction, neurobehavioral disorders and cancer. More recently, some POPs have also been connected to reduced immunity in infants and children and a concomitant increase in infections. Other studies have linked POPS concentrations in humans with developmental abnormalities, neurobehavioral impairment and cancer and tumor induction or promotion.4... 

The toxic effects associated with chronic exposure to 2,3,7,8-TCDD include chloracne, impaired liver function, peripheral neuropathies, and altered blood chemistry parameters. Other long-term effects may include chromosome damage, heart attacks, reproductive disorders, and cancer, although epidemiologic data regarding these effects are equivocal. Some effects of long-term low-level exposure to dioxins appear to be reversible following cessation of the exposure. 

First, although there is substantial evidence that many cancers are primarily associated with so-called lifestyle factors , the natural environment including viruses, and even genetics, we certainly cannot rule out some role for industrial chemicals. Moreover, chemicals can cause many other types of adverse health effects about which we do not have significant explanations of any type. Until we have evidence to rule out a significant role for industrial pollutants in human reproductive disorders, diseases of the nervous system, and so on, it would seem imprudent to cease or reduce gathering toxicity data on them and establishing limits on human exposures. 

Some adverse reproductive effects in women have been reported to be associated with occupational exposure to tetrachloroethylene in dry cleaning operations. These effects include menstmal disorders and spontaneous abortion. However, no definitive conclusions can be made because of the limitations associated with these studies. 

Abstract. Scientific data show the association of population health status with environmental situation of residential area and working conditions. For ecologically induced or work-related pathology it is typical not only prevalence of chronic diseases including reproductive health disorders, such as pregnancy complications, but also health disorders in off-spring such as birth defects, diseases of newborns and children of early age due to parental exposures, etc. So risk assessment and management is essential for environmental and occupational hazards especially for chemicals for adequate reproductive health protection. 

Susan H. Benoff was formerly director of the Fertihty Research Laboratories of the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research. She was also an associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of New York University School of Medicine and director of the Molecular Biology Laboratories, Division of Human Reproduction, in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of North Shore University Hospital. Her research interests were in male infertility and testicular cancer with emphasis on the role that environmental exposure to heavy metals and compounds with hormone-like activity may play in the causes of these disorders. She has been an active member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, most recently serving as chair of the Environment and Reproduction Special Interest Group. She is also on the Board of Di-... 

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