What Does
Reproductive Toxins Mean?
A reproductive toxin is any hazardous chemical or material that adversely affects reproductive organs.
Reproductive toxins can cause:
- Birth defect or teratogenesis
- Miscarriage
- Chromosomal damage or mutation
- Alternations of the endocrine system
- Sterility
Reproductive toxins include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), benzene, carbon monoxide, chloroform, mercury, toluene, and vinyl chloride.
A reproductive toxin is also known as a reprotoxic substance.
Safeopedia Explains Reproductive Toxins
Some reproductive toxins are chronic toxins that cause damage to both males and females after repeated or long-lasting exposures and can have long latency periods. Women who are fertile should be especially careful when handling reproductive toxins.
For males, exposure to reproductive toxins can cause adverse effects on sperm quality and concentration.
The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) distinguishes reproductive toxicity from germ cell mutagenicity and carcinogenicity, even though both of these hazards may also affect fertility.