Abstract

A REVIEW ON REPRODUCTIVE TOXICITY OF ORGANOCHLORINE PESTICIDES

Organchlorines; reproductive toxicity; endocrine disruption; male infertility.

Abstract

A significant increase in the incidence of male infertility has been described in the recent literature, raising questions about its causes. Pesticides such as organophosphates, organochlorine, phthalates, pyrethroids, carbamates and other substances from various industrial uses and residues are among the main endocrine disruptors that cause reproductive toxicity and male infertility. Organochlorines are a group of various synthetic chemicals that include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dibenzo-p-dioxiins and organochlorine pesticides. Human exposure to organochlorine substances may occur through inhalation of air, ingestion of food, water and skin absorption. Human exposure to organochlorines may occur not only during adulthood but also during prenatal and neonatal period. Many organochlorine pesticides are endocrine disrupting chemicals, meaning they have toxic effects on the hormonal systems. This review provides some specialized literature on work-related to organochlorine pesticides capable of causing male infertility.

Keywords: Organchlorines; reproductive toxicity; endocrine disruption; male infertility.