title: The influence of the environment and other exogenous agents on spontaneous abortion risk.
abstract: It is estimated that close to 30% of all pregnancies end in spontaneous abortion. Although about 60% of spontaneous abortions are thought to be due to genetic, infectious, hormonal, and immunological factors, the role of the environment remains poorly understood. Pregnancy involves a delicate balance of hormonal and immunological functions, which may be affected by environmental substances. Many toxic substances that are persistent in the environment and accumulate in the fatty tissues may disrupt this equilibrium. This overview addresses known risk factors for spontaneous abortions and examines the role, if any, that environmental factors (chemical and physical) may play in the etiology of this adverse health outcome.
authors: McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, Institute of Population Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. mandy_weselak@hc-sc.gc.ca
authors: Mandy
authors: M
authors: Weselak
authors: Tye E
authors: TE
authors: Arbuckle
authors: Mark C
authors: MC
authors: Walker
authors: Daniel
authors: D
authors: Krewski
mesh_terms: D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000139:chemically induced*; D052244:Endocrine Disruptors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D052244:Endocrine Disruptors