Reproductive effects caused by chemical and biological agents

Introduction

Occupational exposure to chemical or biological agents may be harmful to workers’ reproductive health, inflict damage on the genetic material of the cells of male and female workers, or evoke adverse effects on their sexual function and fertility. Some chemicals and infectious agents may also be harmful to the pregnancy and hazardous to the foetus. Such agents are often referred to generally as 'reprotoxic substances'. They include a variety of potentially harmful chemical agents e.g. some solvents, metals, pesticides and other chemicals. Prevention of the harmful effects of occupational exposures requires assessment and management of reproductive risks in…