Reproductive toxicity

Lead, a heavy metal that can exist in both organic and inorganic forms, and is associated with adverse effects on male libido, erectile disfunction, premature ejaculation and poor sperm quality.[12] Lead is also associated with negative effects on the female reproductive system particularly for pregnant people.[13] Elevated blood lead levels can increase risk of preeclampsia and miscarriage and can lead to birth defects.[14][15] Lead is believed to predominantly affect male reproduction by the disruption of hormones, which reduces the quantity of sperm production in the seminiferous tubules. It has also been proposed that lead causes poor semen quality by increasing reactive oxygen species due to lipid per-oxidation, leading to cellular damage.[16][17] Lead can be found in contaminated soil, water, as well as manufactured goods like jewelry, toys, and paint.[18] Common routes of exposure are inhalation and digestion, though dermal exposure can occur albeit less frequently.[18] Occupational exposures remain a high risk, particularly for industries such as battery/electronic recycling, construction, mining, smelting, and welders or any other industry which interacts with lead.[13] Families and cohabitants of the above workers may be at risk of take-home exposure and may need to take precautions to avoid reproductive impacts.[19]

Cadmium is a heavy metal used in jewelry making, electronics, welding and galvanizing steel.[20] The human route of exposure is primarily inhalational or oral; environmental exposure among the non-occupationally exposed can occur due to exposure to cigarette smoking.[20] The oral route of exposure can occur due to ingesting plants and shellfish that have taken up cadmium from water and soil.[20] Exposure to cadmium results in adverse male fertility in terms of decreased spermatogenesis, semen quality, sperm motility and impaired hormonal synthesis.[21] Likewise, exposure to cadmium impairs female fertility in terms of menstrual cycle regularity and reproductive hormonal balance.[21] Cadmium exposure can negatively impact fetal development throughout the gestation as well as ovulation and implantation.[22]

Hexavalent chromium ( Cr VI) is used in the electronics industry and for metal plating.[23] Chromium exposure is primarily inhalation or through ingestion.[24] Human and animal studies show that exposure to hexavalent chromium decreases semen quality and sperm counts.[25]

Elemental mercury( Hg⁰) is a metal that exists as liquid form at room temperature and is commonly found in thermometers, blood pressure cuffs and dental amalgams. In terms of exposure, the route of absorption is primarily via inhalation through mercury vapor, which can in turn lead to mercury poisoning.[26] Occupational exposure to inorganic mercury can occur in industries such as dentistry, fluorescent lamp production, and Chloralkali workers.[27] Data among female dental technicians exposed to mercury vapors have demonstrated decreased fertility among those who were exposed and practiced poor industrial hygiene while handling dental amalgams.[26][28] Elemental and organic mercury can cross the blood brain barrier, like many other heavy metals, making it particularly significant for pregnant people as it can impact fetal development and birth outcomes.[27] Among female workers in mercury smelting plants an increase in spontaneous abortions has been reported.[28]

Dibromochloropropane (DBCP) is used as a pesticide against nematodes in the agricultural industry.[29] DBCP is one of the most well-known reproductive toxicants known to cause testicular toxicity.[12] Workers in chemical factories exposed to dibromochloropropane have been shown to develop dose-dependent oligospermia and azoospermia.[12] Additional studies also demonstrated that DBCP-exposed workers in banana and pineapple plantations in central America and other countries also developed oligospermia and azoospermia.[30] In 1977, the United States Environmental Protection Agency banned the use of DBCP in agriculture due to its effect on male fertility.[31] Despite being banned from use in agriculture, DBCP is still used as an intermediate in chemical manufacturing as well as a reagent in research.[31]

Ethylene dibromide

Ethylene dibromide (EDB) is a fumigant that was originally used to protect citrus fruits, grains and vegetables from insects.[32] Use of EDB in the United States was banned by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in 1984, however EDB is still used in the United States as fumigant to treat timber logs for beetles and termites.[32] Likewise, it is still used as an intermediate in chemical manufacturing.[32] Exposure to EDB has been shown to adversely affect male fertility by leading to a decreased sperm counts, decreased numbers of viable sperm and increased abnormal sperm morphology.[33][34] The primary route of exposure is through inhalation.[32]

Solvent exposure is common among men and women working in industrial settings. Specific solvents including xylene, perchloroethylene, toluene and methylene chloride have been shown to be associated with a concurrent elevation in risk for spontaneous abortion [35]

Ionizing radiation in the form alpha, beta and gamma emissions are well known to adversely affect male and female fertility, as well as fetal development.[36][37] Exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation can occur naturally in the environment or due to medical treatment or diagnosis, however, higher exposures may be associated with occupation.[36] Occupations with documented risk include: healthcare workers who interact with radioactive material, certain manufacturing processes, and airline personnel.[36] Exposure in the range of 0.1 to1.2 Gy is associated with spermatogonial injury; whereas between 4-6 Gy reductions of sperm counts have been reported.[37] Ionizing radiation is considered a hazard particularly in pregnancy, due to its potential impact of gestational development.[36] More specifically, ionizing radiation is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage and stillbirth.[38] Recent studies suggest that routine medical examinations that expose a pregnant person to ionizing radiation are not associated with an increase of risk of miscarriage or stillbirth.[39]

Radio frequency electromagnetic fields, such as those generated from mobile phone devices, have been shown to decrease semen quality production in experimental animal models; however human data is still equivocal at best.[40][41] The International Association for the Research of Cancer(IARC) classifies radio frequency electromagnetic fields as a group 2B or possibly carcinogenic.[42]

Lipid soluble compounds that can cross the cell lipid bilayer and bind cytoplasmic steroid hormone receptors can translocate to the nucleus and act as estrogen agonists.[43] Diethylstilbestrol (DES), a synthetic estrogen, is one such endocrine disruptor and acts as an estrogen agonist. Diethylstilbestrol was used from 1938 to 1971 to prevent spontaneous abortions.[43] Diethylstilbestrol causes cancer and mutations by producing highly reactive metabolites, also causing DNA adducts to form. Exposure to diethylstilbestrol in the womb can cause atypical reproductive tract formation. Specifically, females exposed to diethylstilbestrol in utero during the first trimester have are more likely to develop clear cell vaginal carcinoma, and males have an increased risk of hypospadias.[44]

Bisphenol A (BPA) is used in polycarbonate plastic consumer goods and aluminum can liners.[45] BPA is an example of an endocrine disruptor which negatively affects reproductive development by acting as an estrogen mimicker (xenoestrogen) and a likely androgen mimicker.[46] Bisphenol A exposure in fetal female rats leads to mammary gland morphogenesis, increased formation of ovarian tumors, and increased risk of developing mammary gland neoplasia in adult life. In lab animal models, BPA is considered to be both an ovarian and uterine toxicant as it impairs endometrial proliferation, decreases uterine receptivity and decreases the chances for successful implantation of the embryo [47] The adverse reproductive toxicological impacts of bisphenol A have been better studied in females than in males.[48][49][47]

Antineoplastic drugs, commonly known as chemotherapy drugs, are considered hazardous drugs by the CDC, including hazardous to reproductive health.[50] Exposure to chemotherapy drugs most often occurs through treatment for cancer, however, unintentional occupational exposure may occur in for workers involved in pharmaceutical production, pharmacists or technicians preparing the drugs, and nurses or other healthcare professionals who are administering medication to patients.[51] Other hospital staff, particularly custodial workers, who interact or handle antineoplastic drugs in any capacity may also be at risk of exposure.[51] Exposure can occur through inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, or injection.[51]

Work schedule can become a reproductive toxicant when working hours are during the employee's typical sleeping hours (night shift), when a worker has an irregular work schedule (shift work) or long working hours.[52] Work schedule's reproductive toxicity is primarily a result of impact on regularity, quality, and rhythm of sleep.[52] Shift work is associated with menstrual disorders, which can in turn impact fertility.[52][53] Irregular work schedule, working long hours, and working the night shift is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage and pre-term birth.[52] Many occupations engage in shift work, including requiring rotating work schedules, long hours, or night shift work. Some occupations that frequently engage in shift work include first responders, airline personnel, healthcare workers, and service workers.[52] The CDC estimates that fifteen-million Americans engage in shift work and 30% get less than six-hours of sleep.[52]

Physical demands can include bending, lifting, and standing. Physical demands are considered a reproductive toxicant as they can increase the risk of adverse outcomes during pregnancy.[54] Bending, lifting, and standing are often associated with occupational responsibilities as the risk is minimal unless physical activity is prolonged.[54] Standing and walking for more than three hours a day is associated with an increased risk of pre-term birth, while standing for six to eight hours a day is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage.[55][56] The weight and frequency of lifting is also associated with increased risk of miscarriage and preterm birth, with estimates of loads over 10 kg, or frequency a cumulative 100 kg/day.[56][57]

Noise is considered a reproductive toxicant due to its potential impact on fetal development during pregnancy. While pregnant people may be able to use proper hearing protection to conserve their own hearing, after the 20th week of development babies' ears are susceptible to hearing loss.[58] Pregnant people who are past 20 weeks of development should consider avoiding noises above 85 decibels, including at work and recreational activities.[58]