Environmental Influences on Male Reproductive Health

Abstract

Environmental influences on male reproductive health has been well documented in wildlife and experimental animals, in which mechanisms of action have also been revealed. These examples provide robust evidence of adverse effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on male reproductive system. Human effects have been more difficult to pinpoint because of limitations in epidemiological observations, and the best evidence of reproductive toxicity in humans comes from occupational settings and environmental accidents. The general population is exposed to a multitude of chemicals simultaneously—thus mixture effects are of special interest. In utero exposures can cause the most harmful and irreversible effects in postnatal/adult life so that developmental and reproductive toxicities are meaningfully studied in tandem.