Environmental Toxins and Fertility

A recent study conducted by U of T and Mount Sinai Hospital's Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute has proven that pregnant women who are exposed to toxins like, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), can cause their female offspring to have a reduced number of eggs in the ovaries, specifically two-thirds less.

PAHs are carcinogens, which are cancer-causing substances, and are one of the most pervasive organic pollutants around. PAHs can be found in cigarette smoke, car exhaust, fumes from wood stoves and in overcooked foods.

This finding is very important says, Professor Jim Woodgett of medical biophysics and Lunenfeld's director of research, because it will raise consciousness about environmental toxins.

The fetus is affected by PAHs that were absorbed by the mother, because before the pregnancy, PAHs collect in the body's breast and fatty tissues, and later during the pregnancy, the PAHs enter the bloodstream.

Poor amount of eggs in a female's ovaries can also lead to premature menopause, which causes infertility, and also osteoporosis, heart disease, stroke and depression.

Dr. Michael Kramer, Scientific Director of the Canadian Institutes for Health Research's Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth, emphasizes the urgency of producing studies that would help find more information on how the child's health as well as the woman's fertility is affected by PAHs and other environmental toxins.

Summarized by: Stephanie Sandoval
Source: Environmental Toxins May Limit Fertility in Offspring http://www.sciencedaily.com (accessed December 6, 2007).