Reproductive hazards

A reproductive hazard is one which can affect reproductive health before or after conception takes place. It can also seriously affect a developing embryo or foetus and have adverse effects on the development of a baby or child.

Exposure to reproductive hazards can affect the sex drive of men and women, which can inhibit or prevent fertilisation. It can also cause changes in the genetic material carried by the eggs and sperm (resulting in birth defects), and cause cancer or other diseases in the reproductive organs of men or women.

A substance that causes cancer is called a carcinogen. A substance that causes changes in genetic materials is called a mutagen. Other types of effects can result from exposure at later stages of pregnancy - a substance that prevents the normal development of a foetus is called a teratogen.

Thousands of hazardous chemicals are used in workplaces. Some can adversely affect the reproductive health of both male and female workers exposed to them. A variety of physical and biological agents (such as radiation and bacteria) and some work situations (such as work which is highly stressful, or shift work) may have negative effects on the human reproductive system.

Because most chemicals, biological and physical agents and work situations have not been adequately studied for their possible effects on human health and reproduction, it's difficult to know exactly which ones will have negative effects on your health. Several important factors play a part - how long you're exposed for; how much you're exposed to; what other chemicals are present; and how people react individually.

Exposure to chemicals can also harm a developing child. Babies and children are particularly vulnerable to substances which may be brought home on clothing, shoes, skin, and hair.

Several infections during pregnancy, including rubella, chickenpox, Hepatitis B and toxoplasmosis have been associated with birth defects and miscarriages. Women working in hospitals or laboratories, or with children or animals, may be at higher risk if they become pregnant.

Ionising radiation (including X-rays) is a known reproductive hazard. The effects of other physical hazards such as stress, noise, repetitive movements, and shiftwork on the human reproductive system are not well understood and are still being studied.

If you're pregnant or planning to have children and are unsure about the possible reproductive hazards in your workplace, get advice from your doctor.