Effect of occupational exposures on male fertility: literature review

Ind Health. 2003 Apr;41(2):55-62. doi: 10.2486/indhealth.41.55.

Abstract

The present review was aimed to determine the influence of working conditions, occupational exposures to potential chemical and physical reproductive toxic agents and psychological stress during work on male fertility. Significant associations were reported between impaired semen parameters and the following chemical exposures: metals (lead, mercury), pesticides (dibromochlorophane, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), ethylene glycol ethers and estrogens. The following physical exposures were shown to deteriorate sperm parameters: radiation (both ionized and microwaves) and heat. Psychological distress has another important contribution to infertility. Several studies indicated that stress has a negative impact on sperm parameters. Occupational parameters should be an important part of history taking among patients attending infertility clinics.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Estrogens / adverse effects
  • Fertility / drug effects*
  • Hazardous Substances / adverse effects*
  • Hot Temperature / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Male / chemically induced*
  • Male
  • Metals / adverse effects
  • Occupational Exposure*
  • Pesticides / adverse effects
  • Radiation Injuries / chemically induced
  • Risk Assessment
  • Solvents / adverse effects
  • Spermatozoa / drug effects
  • Stress, Psychological / complications

Substances

  • Estrogens
  • Hazardous Substances
  • Metals
  • Pesticides
  • Solvents