Reproductive hazards of the workplace

Abstract

Concern regarding adverse effects of occupational exposures on the reproductive health of workers is increasing. Several sociopolitical and legal issues influence both the regulation of worker exposure and the ability to study exposure and possible reproductive effects. Adverse reproductive outcomes that may be related to occupational exposure are discussed and some of the possible mechanisms of action are explored. Epidemiologic approaches to the study of reproductive hazards of the workplace are considered and illustrated in this paper.