Epidemiological evidence on reproductive effects of persistent organochlorines in humans.
Organochlorines are widespread pollutants in humans. Concern about adverse reproductive effects of these compounds arises from accidental exposure of humans and experimental studies. Recently, this issue has been addressed by a number of studies of exposed populations and hospital-based case-referent studies. These studies indicate that high concentrations of persistent organochlorines may adversely affect semen quality and cause testicular cancer in males, induce menstrual cycle abnormalities and spontaneous abortions in females, and cause prolonged waiting time pregnancy, reduced birth weight, skewed sex ratio, and altered age of sexual development. However, most effects have been demonstrated at exposure levels above the present day exposure level in European and North American populations. Due to inherent methodological problems in several of the available studies, additional research is needed to fully elucidate the possible adverse effects of organochlorines on human reproductive health.
Toft
Gunnar
G
Department of Occupational Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Noerrebrogade 44, Build. 2C, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. gutof@akh.aaa.dk
Hagmar
Lars
L
Giwercman
Alexander
A
Bonde
Jens Peter
JP
D000328:Adult; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology; D005832:Genital Diseases, Male / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology; D006727:Hormone Antagonists / Q000633:toxicity; D006801:Humans; D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated / Q000633:toxicity*; D008297:Male; D009656:North America / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D012098:Reproduction / Q000187:drug effects*
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D006727:Hormone Antagonists; D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated