Fertility and Occupational hazards: Review of the Literature
), Olumuyiwa O. Odusanya(2),
(1)
(2)
Corresponding Author
Abstract
Workplace exposures and hazards have detrimental effects on many organ systems in the body including the reproductive system. The evidence of the reproductive effects of occupational hazards is obtained through a synthesis of the available literature. These effects vary and overlap due to the multiple nature of exposures in the workplace. Hazardous agents include pesticides, solvents and heavy metals. The reproductive effects include reduced fecundity, abnormal sperm quality, increased risk of low birth weight, miscarriages and permanent sterility. These problems are not readily identified as having occupational causes in developing countries such as Nigeria where infertility has a high family and social consequence. Epidemiological studies in Nigeria are needed to evaluate the reproductive effects of workplace exposures. Protective measures such as proper house keeping, education and the use of personal protectives at the workplace are advocated (Afr J Reprod Health 2009; 13[1]:159-165).
RĖSUMĖ
La fécondité et les risques du métier. Les expositions dans les lieux de travail et les risques ont des effets nuisibles sur plusieurs systèmes d’organe dans le corps y compris le système de reproduction. L’évidence des effets des risques du métier sur la reproduction est disponible à travers une synthèse de la littérature dont on dispose. Ces effets varient et se chevauchent à cause de la nature multiple des expositions des lieux de travail. Les agents de risque comprennent les pesticides, des solvants et des métaux lourds. Les effets sur la reproduction comprennent la fécondité réduite, une qualité anormal du sperme, l’augmentation du risque d’un poids de naissance bas, de fausses couches et la stérilité permanente. Ces problèmes ne sont pas facilement identifiés comme ayant des causes relevant des risques du métier dans les pays en développement tel que le Nigéria où la stérilité a une haute conséquence familiale et sociale. Il faut des études épidémiologiques au Nigéria pour évaluer les effets des expositions aux lieux de travail sur la reproduction. Des mesures protectrices telle une bonne économie domestique, l’éducation et l’utilisation des protections personnelles dans les lieux de travail sont préconisées (Afr J Reprod Health 2009; 13[1]:159-165).
KEYWORDS: Fertility, Fecundity, Occupational hazards, Sperm quality, Reproductive problems
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