Reproductive Health

see also  children, glyphosate,, atrazine , insecticides, endocrine disruption, exposure ,

Study Confirms Connection Between Exposure to Pesticides and Male Reproductive Problems   (Beyond Pesticides, December 1, 2023) 'One of the new studies, a meta-analysis of 25 studies on the connection between pesticides and male reproductive problems, finds that men exposed to organophosphate (such as glyphosate and malathion) and carbamate (such as carbaryl and methiocarb) insecticides have lower sperm concentrations than the general population. This is especially true of men exposed in work settings. The senior author of the study, Melissa J. Perry,ScD of the George Mason University College of Public Health, told HealthNews, “The evidence available has reached a point that we must take regulatory action to reduce insecticide exposure.”

Deadly Pesticide Poses an Increased Risk of Hormone-Associated Reproductive Cancers in Women    (Beyond Pesticides, July 13, 2023) A study published in Environmental Science and Pollution Research finds exposure to p-Dichlorobenzene (p-DCB), a chlorophenol compound with uses as an insecticide, disinfectant, repellent, fumigant, fungicide, and deodorizer, can increase the risk of common endocrine (hormone)-mediated reproductive cancers (i.e., breast, uterine, and ovarian) in women. P-DCB or paradichlorobenzene has carcinogenic (cancer-causing) properties and the chemical has been banned in the European Union (EU) since 2005 for air fresheners and 2008 for mothballs. SNAP Comment: As of 25 July 2023, thereare stll 4 p-diclhlorobenzene pesticides registered in Canada: 1 technical active and 3 domestic formulations as moth balls, including 'cedar scented moth balls'.

Sperm Count Documented To Be in Substantial and Persistent Decline   (Beyond Pesticides, November 18, 2022) A new meta-analysis, from researchers at Mount Sinai Medical Center, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and the University of Copenhagen, among others, finds that the drop in global sperm count is accelerating and the problem has become global.  A primary culprit, among a plexus of factors, is widespread exposure to toxic chemicals, including pesticides, in the environment. Beyond the implications for individuals and families, this global decline in sperm counts has the potential for population-level impacts and, according to Dr. Shanna Swan, an expert environmental–reproductive epidemiologist, could mean that “in the coming decades, large swaths of the global population of men could be subfertile or infertile.”

Scientific Literature Review Again Connects Pesticides and Male Fertility Problems    Literature review. (Beyond Pesticides, August 3, 2022) A systematic review of scientific studies on pesticides and fertility finds exposure associated with lower semen quality, DNA fragmentation, and chromosomal abnormalities. Published in the journal Andrology, the review is yet another warning from a long string of researchers sounding the alarm over the connection between global fertility and toxic chemical exposure.  Organochlorines (OCs), organophosphates (OPs), pyrethroids were all linked to effects. Beyond these three classes, scientists did find evidence of negative associations with carbamate class insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides, but the low number of studies does not allow for extensive analysis. Mixtures of various pesticides are cited as having similar effects to the three main pesticide classes investigated though firm results were difficult to specify due to lack of complete information. In general, occupationally exposed workers are most at risk, with chronic exposure being associated with greater sperm defects.

Banned Pesticides Associated with Endometriosis   (Beyond Pesticides, December 1, 2021) Women exposed to metabolites of the banned insecticide chlordane are over three times more likely to develop endometriosis, finds research published in the journal Environment International. The study is the latest to find links between persistent organic pollutants (POPs), still lingering in our environment and in our bodies, and chronic disease. PCB 114 (there are 209 different PCB compounds) was also linked to endometriosis with an odds ratio of 1.83.

Pesticide Exposure Contributes to Preterm Births and Low Birth Weight(Beyond Pesticides, November 18, 2021) A study published by King George’s Medical University, India, finds exposure to xenobiotic substances like pesticides during pregnancy increases risks associated with preterm birth, including a rise in cesarean section (C-section) deliveries and a decrease in fetal body weight.   All of the blood samples from premature newborns and their mothers have higher levels of  OCPs (organochlorine pesticides) than full-term newborns. Aldrin, dieldrin, and hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) are the most prominent OCPs present in maternal and umbilical cord blood samples, followed by DDT, endosulfan, and endrin aldehyde. However, blood samples also contain concentrations of other pesticide types including, organophosphates (OPs) (i.e., dichlorvos, malathion, chlorpyrifos, profenofos), synthetic pyrethroids (i.e., cypermethrin, fenvalerate, cyhalothrin-L, deltamethrin, cyfluthrin), and neonicotinoids (neonics) (i.e., imidacloprid). Regarding specific birth outcomes, DDT metabolite DDE and dieldrin have significant associations with low birth weight. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) (USA) reports the preterm birth rate is increasing annually.

Atrazine Found to Harm Marsupial Health    (Beyond Pesticides, August 12, 2020) 'The herbicide atrazine can interfere with the health and reproduction of marsupials (including kangaroos and opossums) kangaroo, Virginia opossum, according to research published in the journal Reproduction, Fertility, and Development.  Researchers found changes to the gene expression necessary for basic function of the testis, and a significant reduction in phallus length. “These results demonstrate that atrazine exposure during gestation and lactation can significantly affect the development of male young by affecting virilization,” the authors write.' The doses  were slightly higher than real world models,   'Worse yet, EPA is set to reregister atrazine for another 15 years of hazardous use.'    SNAP Comment: There are still 12 atrazine registered products in Canada as of 6 September 2020.While there are no opossums in Saskatchewan,there are some in other parts of Canada.

Exploratory Study Indicates Pesticide Exposure May Relate to Higher Risk for Endometriosis   (Beyond Pesticides, January 15, 2019)  Researchers examined exposure to 11 “universal pesticides” and their metabolites and its relationship to endometriosis...This study detected six of the pesticides or their metabolites in ≥95% of urine samples — including organophosphates and 2-4,D. Pyrethroids and their metabolites were detected in 47–80% of the samples. The odds ratios, or measure of association between exposure and an outcome, are significant for two organophosphate metabolites: 2-Isopropyl-4-methyl-6-hydroxypyrimidine (IMPY) and 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPY). The authors conclude, “Our results suggest that exposure to elevated concentrations of diazinon (the parent compound of IMPY) and chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl (parent compounds of TCPY) may be associated with endometriosis.” However, the authors emphasize the small sample size and need for further studies. “Our findings should be considered as exploratory,” they state.  Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are far under-studied and under-regulated.' 

New study finds glyphosate causes disease across several generations   (The Organic and non-GMO Report, May 2, 2019)    "But writing in the journal Scientific Reports, the researchers say they saw “dramatic increases” in several pathologies affecting the second and third generations. The second generation had “significant increases” in testis, ovary, and mammary gland diseases, as well as obesity. In third-generation males, the researchers saw a 30 percent increase in prostate disease—three times that of a control population. The third generation of females had a 40 percent increase in kidney disease, or four times that of the controls.  More than one-third of the second-generation mothers had unsuccessful pregnancies, with most of those affected dying. Two out of five males and females in the third generation were obese."

Glyphosate-based herbicide exposure during pregnancy and lactation malprograms the male reproductive morphofunction in F1 offspring   (Jakeline Liara Teleken et al, Published online by Cambridge University Press: 16 July 2019)   'data indicate that maternal exposure to glyphosate-ROUNDUP® during pregnancy and lactation may lead to decreased spermatogenesis and disruptions in hypothalamus–pituitary–testicular axis regulation in F1 offspring.' Link to scientific study abstract and references. 

Glyphosate-based Herbicide Impairs Female Fertility - new study (GM Watch. 24 July 2018.)  What the 3 month studies mandated by regulatory agencies cannot show:  The dosages were selected based of the reference dose (dose supposed to be safe over a lifetime) and the higher dose was 1/5th of the "industry-declared no-observed adverse effect level (NOAEL)". 'However, although all glyphosate herbicide-exposed first generation female rats became pregnant, they had a lower number of implantation sites of fertilized eggs, compared with controls. The second generation offspring from both glyphosate herbicide-exposed groups showed delayed growth, evidenced by lower foetal weight and length, and a higher incidence of abnormally small foetuses...Also, to the authors' surprise, malformations (conjoined foetuses and abnormally developed limbs) were detected in the second generation of offspring from the higher dose of glyphosate herbicide group...The findings of malformations reflect epidemiological findings that people living in an Argentine town in the heart of the GM soy and maize growing area, where glyphosate-based herbicides are sprayed in large amounts, suffer birth defects at twice the national average rate.' Links to original study and others. see also filed under fact sheets/ glyphosate  and reproductive health 

DDT Resistant Fruit Flies Show Reproductive Difficulties  (Beyond Pesticides, June 7, 2017) Fruit flies that developed a genetic resistance to the insecticide DDT have lower success at mating than those without similar changes, according to a study published last month in the journal Behavior Genetics. The results were surprising to researchers, given that the resistance developed through changes to a single allele (a variation of a single gene). “It is amazing that even if all the genes are exactly the same, having this one gene expressed at a higher level has all these effects,” said Professor Nina Wedell, PhD, of the Centre for Ecology and Conservation on Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall, UK to Phys.org. The study raises possible concerns about the effect of pesticide exposure to non-target (not the focus of pesticide use) insects that are integral to a healthy ecology and food web...However, it should be noted that the documented effects in this study are only seen in the absence of insecticide exposure.  SNAP Comment: These types of effects are not mandated studies prior to pesticide registration. I also think the study raises possible concerns about genetic engineering (GE). If the change in one naturally occurring allele can cause problems, what can the insertion of a new gene do?... (also filed under  wildlife/insects and gmos/Safety/Health Effects)

California to List Atrazine and Other Triazine Weedkillers to Prop 65 as Reproductive Toxicants  (Beyond Pesticides, July 13, 2016)  'The listing of these chemicals was initially to be effective on August 3, 2015. However, Syngenta, manufacturer of atrazine, challenged the listing decision, leading to a delay in the formal decision. Syngenta Crop Protection v OEHHA (Sacramento Superior Court case#34-2014-800001868). Syngenta’s challenge was unsuccessful and now the official listing can move forward, in spite of Syngenta’s pending appeal.'..'Proposition 65, officially known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, was enacted as a ballot initiative in November 1986. The proposition protects the state’s drinking water sources from being contaminated with chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm, and requires businesses to inform Californians about exposures to such chemicals.'

Endocrine Disruptors Lead to Female Reproductive Disorders Costing Billions (Beyond Pesticides, April 26, 2016) A study published last month finds that exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) plays an important role in the development of certain female reproductive disorders, and ultimately results in significant economic costs to society. Scientists analyzed the economic impact of a number of EDCs, including phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, perfluoroalkyl compounds, as well as DDE and organophosphate and organochlorine pesticides.

Sperm Quality