About Occupational Exposure & Infertility
Effects of occupational exposure on the reproductive system of men and women may become manifest as alterations in sex hormone levels, diminished libido and potency, menstrual disorders, premature menopause, delayed menarche, ovarian dysfunction, impairment of semen quality, and reduced male and female fertility. Toxic exposures can cause direct cell damage in the developing sperm and eggs. Maternal exposure during pregnancy may disturb fetal development by either directly or indirectly interfering with maternal, placental, or fetal membrane functions.
Toxic exposures can induce many wide-ranging effects, e.g. foetal death, intrauterine growth retardation, preterm birth, birth defect, postnatal death, disturbances in cognitive development, and changes in immunological sensitivity, or childhood cancer.
The mother's exposure at work to chemicals may also cause contamination of her breast milk.Some chemicals with hormonal activity, so-called endocrine disrupters, may alter the function of the endocrine system and consequently cause adverse reproductive effects, e.g. poor semen quality and damaged reproductive tissues in men and some gynaecological medical conditions in women (endometriosis, benign noncancerous tumors and infections of reproductive organs). Many chemicals, such as polychlorinated organic compounds, pesticides, phthalates, bisphenol A, brominated flame retardants and heavy metals have been identified as being possible endocrine disrupters.
Difference in the timing, duration and dose of exposure may lead to different outcomes.
Miscarriage or birth defects are the principal outcomes if exposure has occurred during the first trimester of pregnancy. Exposure later in pregnancy is more likely to shorten the duration of gestation, reduce birth weight and affect the development of the brain. A lower dose of a toxicant may cause birth defects, whereas a high dose may produce miscarriage or infertility.
Adverse effects on reproduction and development are often the result of exposure during the narrow, vulnerable periods of ovulation, formation of a mature sperm (spermatogenesis) and the formation of organs within the embryo (foetal organogenesis). Some effects may not become evident for years. For example, lead may gradually accumulate in maternal tissue only to be released during pregnancy or lactation. Some toxicants, such as antineoplastic agents (cancer chemotherapy drugs), may reduce the number of female germ cells, leading to a shortened reproductive life span.
Any patient with a positive response on these questions should be counseled to disassociate himself from any environmental or life-style exposure; sperm enhancement treatments should also be considered. These treatments should be followed by a repeat set after 10 weeks (the time needed for a complete spermatogenic cycle).
Infertility Risks By Occupation:
Artist
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Manganese dioxide- impotence, reduced libido, reduced fertility
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Glycol ethers- abnormal morphology, decreased sperm count, reduced fertility
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Lead- impotence, reduced libido, abnormal morphology, decreased sperm count, decreased fertility, miscarriage in female partner
Ceramic and Craft Worker
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Lead- impotence, reduced libido, abnormal morphology, decreased sperm count, decreased fertility, miscarriage in female partner
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Glycol ethers- abnormal morphology, decreased sperm count, reduced fertility
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Manganese dioxide- impotence, reduced libido, reduced fertility
Chemical Laboratory Worker
Solvents- decreased semen quality, reduced fertility, miscarriage in female partner
Clothing and textile worker
Tris (flame retardant) found in furniture foam, mattresses, textiles, & electronics- reduced fertility
Cosmetic manufacturer or worker
Mercury compounds- impotence, reduced libido, decreased sperm count, increase in abnormal sperm, reduced fertility, miscarriage in female partner
Dental care personnel (dentist, nurse, hygienist)
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X-radiation- abnormal morphology, decreased sperm count, reduced fertility, chromosomal or genetic damage
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Mercury compounds- impotence, reduced libido, decreased sperm count, increase in abnormal sperm, reduced fertility, miscarriage in female partner
DES manufacturer and worker
Diethylstillboestrol- abnormal morphology, decreased sperm count, reduced fertility
Dry Cleaner
Carbon tetrachloride- reduced fertility
Exterminator
Pesticides (dibromochloropropane, kepone, DDT, DECP, carbonyl, DDVP, malathion)- decreased sperm count, reduced fertility
Farm and agricultural worker
Pesticides (dibromochloropropane, kepone, DDT, DECP, carbonyl, DDVP, malathion)- decreased sperm count, reduced fertility
Hairdresser, Cosmetologist, Barber
Nail polish solvents- Reduced fertility
Healthcare Worker
Ethylene oxide (disinfectant), X-radiation- reduced fertility
Utility Worker
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Ethylene oxide (disinfectant), X-radiation- Reduced fertility
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Butadiene- Reduced fertility
Storage battery worker
Cadmium- impotence, reduced libido, decreased sperm count, abnormal sperm, reduced fertility
Smelter
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Cadmium- impotence, reduced libido, decreased sperm count, abnormal sperm, reduced fertility
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Nickel- reduced fertility
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Manganese dioxide- impotence, reduced libido, reduced fertility
PVC manufacturer or processor
Polyvinyl chloride- impotence, reduced libido, reduced fertility
Printer or graphic designer
Ethylene glycol- decreased sperm count
Photographic processor
Glycol ethers- Glycol ethers- abnormal morphology, decreased sperm count, reduced fertility
Pesticide worker and farmer
Pesticides (dibromochloropropane, kepone, DDT, DECP, carbonyl, DDVP, malathion)- decreased sperm count, reduced fertility
Perfume Industry Worker
Benzene, other organic solvents- Decreased semen quality, reduced fertility, miscarriage in female partner
Medical Personnel (doctor, nurse, aide, technician)
Anesthetic gases, nitrous oxide- abnormal morphology, decreased sperm count
Anticancer drugs- impotence, reduced libido, decreased sperm count, abnormal sperm, reduced fertility
House Painter
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Cadmium- impotence, reduced libido, decreased sperm count, increase in abnormal sperm, reduced fertility
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PCBs- decreased sperm quality
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Glycol ethers- abnormal morphology, decreased sperm count, reduced fertility
X-ray inspector, Technician
Ionizing radiation, microwaves- abnormal morphology, decreased sperm count, reduced fertility
Welder
Manganese, nickel- impotence, reduced libido, reduced fertility