Editorial Article
Environmental Pollutants and Reproductive Health: A Comprehensive Overview
Year: 2023; Volume: 3; Issue: 4; Page No: 4 – 5
Author: Sudharsan Vasudevan*
https://doi.org/10.55349/ijmsnr.20233445
Affiliation: Consultant, ICMR Headquarters, New Delhi, India.
Email ID: dr.sudharsan.pcos@gmail.com
| How to cite this article: Vasudevan S. Environmental Pollutants and Reproductive Health: A Comprehensive Overview. Int J Med Sci and Nurs Res 2023;3(4):4–5. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55349/ijmsnr.20233445 |
Article Summary: Submitted: 10-October-2023; Revised: 29-October-2023; Accepted: 10-November-2023; Published: 31-December-2023
Full Text
Introduction
Environmental pollutants pose a significant threat to reproductive health, impacting fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and the overall well-being of future generations.
Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs), Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical produced in large quantities for use primarily in the production of polycarbonate plastics. And phthalates, a group of chemicals used to make plastics more durable are known to disrupt hormonal balance, by mimicking or blocking female hormones, suppressing the hormones involved in male sexual development. Contributing to infertility, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and related reproductive abnormalities. [1]
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in air has been shown to accumulate in the reproductive organs through blood-testis barrier, placental barrier, epithelial barrier etc and disrupt hormone levels and so does polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) a pollutant found in air, specifically in rich in active and passive tobacco smoking, specific cooking methods, and pesticides, correlate with increased risks of miscarriage and preterm birth. [2]
Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum systemic herbicide and crop desiccant. It is an organophosphorus compound, has been linked with low sperm quality and other hormonal disruptions.
Environmental pollutants have been suspected to contribute to infertility, reduced sperm quality, miscarriage, preterm birth, hormonal imbalances, birth defects, developmental disorders, endometriosis, and reproductive cancers. [3]
Conclusion
Understanding the intricate pathways through which environmental pollutants impact reproductive health is crucial for public health initiatives. Continued research, stringent regulations, and individual awareness are essential to mitigate these adverse effects and foster a healthier environment for current and future generations.
References
- Swan SH, Kruse RL, Liu F, Barr DB, Drobnis EZ, Redmon JB. Study for Future Families Research Group. Semen quality in relation to biomarkers of pesticide exposure. Environmental Health Perspectives 2017;125(5):057010.
- Kubsad D, Nilsson EE, King SE, Sadler-Riggleman I, Beck D, Skinner MK. Epigenetic Transgenerational Inheritance of Disease and Phenotypic Variation Working Group. Assessment of glyphosate induced epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of pathologies and sperm epimutations: generational toxicology. Scientific Reports 2015;9(1):6372.
- Diamanti-Kandarakis E, Bourguignon JP, Giudice LC, Hauser R, Prins GS, Soto AM, et al.. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals: an Endocrine Society scientific statement. Endocrine Reviews 2009;30(4):293-342.
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