Chapter 23 - Reproductive and developmental toxicology: toxic solvents and gases

Abstract

This chapter discusses the reproductive and developmental toxicity of several commonly used solvents that are easily volatilized so that inhalation is a primary route of exposure. In both sexes, infertility can occur as a result of toxic exposures. With regard to developmental toxicity, there is an increased risk of small-for-gestational-age live born babies has been observed in women exposed to CCl4 during their second or third trimester of pregnancy. PCE has been associated with increased risks of spontaneous abortions, time to pregnancy and decrease in fertility in women who were directly employed or whose spouses were working in the dry-cleaning industry. Men working in these facilities have shown abnormal sperm morphology and other reproductive dysfunctions. Occupational exposure studies have examined the reproductive and developmental toxicity of styrene; these studies did not find statistically significant alterations in the occurrence of stillbirths, infant deaths, malformations or birth weight. Toluene has been associated with spontaneous abortions in women with no developmental effects observed. The most common reproductive symptoms of benzene exposure in women include menstrual disorders and in men, a decrease in sperm count, motility and concentration as well as decreased semen volume. No well-conducted reproductive and developmental toxicity studies exist to evaluate human health risk of acute or chronic exposure to kerosene and jet fuels. Developmental outcomes of formaldehyde include fetal loss, structural alterations, growth retardation, and delays in functional development. Formaldehyde has been associated with spontaneous abortions and increased time to pregnancy in occupationally exposed women.