The influence of the environment and other exogenous agents on spontaneous abortion risk.
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.
Weselak
Mandy
M
McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, Institute of Population Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. mandy_weselak@hc-sc.gc.ca
Arbuckle
Tye E
TE
Walker
Mark C
MC
Krewski
Daniel
D
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
D052244:Endocrine Disruptors