Occupational and environmental effects on the reproductive process

Background: Embryonic and fetal period is very susceptible to external factors contact. Since men and women are exposed to many pollutants and occupational hazards, the aim of this study is to investigate occupational and environmental effects on the reproductive process.Methods: A narrative review was performed within articles published by PubMed , Elsevier , SID and original text books to reach the aim.Result: A number of occupations are being reported to be related with reproductive disorders in human. By increasing labor force participation among women, most of the women will work during their fertility ages. This will increase the possibility that women during pregnancy will be exposed to a variety of chemical, psychosocial and physical factors at work. The outcome of pregnancy maybe affect by occupational exposures like miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, small-for-gestational age and low birth weight. Some pesticides may interfere with the female hormonal function which may cause negative effects on fertility through destroying the hormonal balance necessary for suitable functioning .In men, fertility and semen quality such as motility, morphology and count of sperms associated with environmental exposure like pesticides, cadmium, heavy metals like mercury, copper, and substances from various industrial, phthalates, polyvinyl chloride. Moreover, occupations with severe exposure to heat and radiation, or jobs involving the use of toxic solvents and toxic fumes are reviewed to be related with infertility.Conclusion: Environmental and occupational exposures can result in adverse effects on female and male reproduction. Further studies are needed to show which toxicants affect human reproduction and by which mechanisms. Therefore, more studies are needed to clarify the adverse effects of toxicants

Keywords:

Infertility , Occupational exposures , Reproductive process , Environmental exposures