Reproductive Toxic Chemicals at Work and Efforts to Protect Workers' Health: A Literature Review

Abstract

A huge number of chemicals are produced and used in the world, and some of them can have negative effects on the reproductive health of workers. To date, most chemicals and work environments have not been studied for their potential to have damaging effects on the workers' reproductive system. Because of the lack of information, many workers may not be aware that such problems can be related to occupational exposures. Newly industrialized countries such as Republic of Korea have rapidly amassed chemicals and other toxicants that pose health hazards, especially to the reproductive systems of workers. This literature review provides an overview of peer-reviewed literature regarding the teratogenic impact and need for safe handling of chemicals. Literature searches were performed using PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. Search strategies were narrowed based on author expertise and 100 articles were chosen for detailed analysis. A total of 47 articles met prespecified inclusion criteria. The majority of papers contained studies that were descriptive in nature with respect to the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and keywords: “reproductive and heath or hazard and/or workplace or workers or occupations.” In the absence of complete information about the safe occupational handling of chemicals in Republic of Korea (other than a material safety data sheet), this review serves as a valuable reference for identifying and remedying potential gaps in relevant regulations. The review also proposes other public health actions including hazard surveillance and primary prevention activities such as reduction, substitution, ventilation, as well as protective equipment.

<p>Some of the Factors Involved in Male Infertility: A Prospective Review</p>

“…Men exposed to hazardous substances in their workplace, including solvents, insecticides, adhesives, silicones and radiation, exposure to these and similar substances can lead to infertility. 82,112,113 Exposure to radiation can lead to reduced sperm production, and exposure to high doses can lead to complete infertility. Overuse of the sun bath can also lead to a temporary decrease in sperm count.…”

Effects of paroxetine on biochemical parameters and reproductive function in male rats

“…The reproductive system is considered to be the most vulnerable system toward a huge number of chemicals and drugs (Rim, 2017). Several studies have been demonstrated that SSRIs use inhibits nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity and reproductive hormonal pro ile synthesis, which plays a major role in stimulating libido, penile erection and orgasm phase and consequently could contribute to male factor infertility (Brezina et al, 2012).…”

Reproductive toxic agents in work environments and related cases in Korea

“…There are well established data regarding chemicals hazardous to reproductive health, but there are still unknown latent hazards; especially for commercial chemical products that are considered as trade secrets. Moreover, there are fewer human epidemiological data than animal experimental data, which makes it more difficult to interpret their real-world health effects [3]. For these reasons, it is hard to assess how many risks are there in workplaces, how many workers are exposed to hazards, and which agents are concerned.…”