Chemicals and Reproductive Health

Twelve percent of the reproductive age population in the United States report trouble conceiving and/or carrying a pregnancy to full term.

Reproductive health is affected by many factors, but recent scientific evidence indicates that certain pollutants in the environment, drinking water, food supply, and common household goods may also play an important role in human fertility and reproduction in both men and women.

Though research is on-going, reproductive environmental health researchers and clinicians agree there is already a substantial body of evidence implicating low-level exposures to contaminants as a likely contributor to trends currently seen in reproductive health outcomes.

Reproductive Health Symptoms and Conditions Linked or Suspected to be Linked to Environmental Contaminants

Studies suggest links between environmental contaminants and reproductive system dysfunction. A host of symptoms and conditions are linked or suspected to be linked to exposure to heavy metals and synthetic chemicals, including pesticides.
These include, among girls and women:

Premature ovarian failure
Malformed reproductive organs
Early or delayed menarche (first menstrual period)
Infertility or compromised fertility
Recurrent pregnancy loss
Inability to carry baby to term, birth defects, and low birth weight
Damage to fetal reproductive organs
Premature menopause
Uterine fibroids

Among boys and men, key trends in reproductive health include:

Undescended testes or malformed reproductive organs
Compromised sperm shape and quality, including issues of mobility, motility, and genetic integrity
Testicular dysgenesis syndrome, or TDS, is a suspected cluster of effects (undescended testes or malformed reproductive organs, testicular cancer, and decreased sperm quality) with a hypothesized common fetal origin, such as exposure to toxic chemicals in utero.

Exposures In Utero

Researchers have found that exposures encountered in utero can shape the subsequent reproductive health of adults. Clinicians and scientists now know that the placenta does not shield the developing fetus from many chemicals or pollutants the mother encounters.
A body of evidence now demonstrates that many chemicals that people routinely encounter in the environment can mimic or interact with the endocrine (hormone) system, and can affect the fertility and reproductive health of offspring. These chemicals are referred to as “endocrine disruptors.”

For a more detailed discussion of reproductive health and the environment:
Download Body of Evidence: Reproductive Health and the Environment

How Are We Exposed, and How Can We Limit Our Exposure?

Certain contaminants found in food, personal care products, household cleaners, plastics and tobacco smoke have been linked to reproductive health concerns.

Food - A number of pesticides have been linked to reduced fertility and menstrual irregularities in women, and hormonal changes and reduced fertility in men. If possible, grow your own food without the use of synthetic chemicals. Otherwise, purchase organic food at your grocery store if it is available. If you harvest wild foods for subsistence, be aware that certain contaminants accumulate in the Arctic marine food web and are most highly concentrated in the fatty tissue of animals.

To learn more about toxic chemicals in foods and ways to reduce your exposure:

Visit the food section of our website

Personal care products - Many cosmetics and other personal care products contain chemical additives that have been linked to reproductive health effects. Phthalates (pronounced ‘thal-lates’) are a group of chemicals that can be found in lotions, soaps, hair products and cosmetics. Phthalate exposure can begin in utero and, in one study, is strongly associated with shorter pregnancy duration. Phthalate exposure in utero has also been linked to altered male reproductive development.

To learn more about chemicals in personal care products:

Visit our personal care products page
Download our phthalates fact sheet (PDF)

Plastics - Chemicals found in plastic products such as food containers, baby bottles and toys have been linked to infertility and other reproductive health problems. Using glass, ceramic or wooden products will reduce your exposure to these chemicals. If you must use plastic, avoid plastics marked #7 (these are likely polycarbonate plastics that contain the chemical bisphenol-A) and #3 (which are made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Avoid using plastic wrap and heating plastic containers in the microwave oven.

To learn more about toxic chemicals in everyday products:

Visit our consumer products page
Download our bisphenol-A fact sheet
Download our polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) fact sheet
Download our phthalates fact sheet (found not only in personal care products but also in plastics)

Household cleaners - Many cleaning products contain chemical solvents and fragrances linked to infertility and other health problems. You can buy non-toxic cleaners or make your own using vinegar, baking soda and borax soap. Water-based paints, glues and citrus-based cleaners are safer to use.

To learn more:

Visit our cleaning products page
Download our Green Cleaning Guide and Recipe Book

Tobacco smoke - Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemicals, many of which are poisonous. Even if you do not smoke, you can be harmed by secondhand smoke. New evidence suggests that you can even be exposed to chemicals from tobacco smoke long after a person who was smoking has left an indoor area. Thirdhand smoke is a new term for tobacco toxins that remain and persist after a period of active smoking. These chemicals are deposited on surfaces such as tables, furniture and floors, as well as in dust.

To learn more:

Download our environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) fact sheet

Remember these five ways to reduce your exposure to chemicals that harm reproductive health:

Know your food
Know what’s in your personal care products
Be informed about plastics and avoid microwaving in plastic
Select non-toxic household cleaners (or make your own)
Avoid tobacco smoke