Environmental influence on reproductive health

A rise in industrialization and the consequent environmental pollution, an increase in the use of synthetic chemicals and repeated exposure to hazardous compounds at the workplace and at home adversely affects reproductive health. Biohazardous compounds, some of which act as endocrine disrupters, are being increasingly implicated in infertility, menstrual irregularities, spontaneous abortions, birth defects, endometriosis and breast cancer. In some cases, women are at a greater risk than men, especially with the rise in environmental estrogens. Only a fraction of these chemicals have been adequately examined for toxicity and for synergistic effects due to multiple exposures. There is a need for a greater awareness and vigilance of the effects of environmental pollution on reproductive health. (C) 2000 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.