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Updated: Jun 7, 2026
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Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
Published on: March 6, 2018
Reproductive environmental health.
Patrice Sutton1, Linda C Giudice, Tracey J Woodruff
1Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, University of California, San Francisco, Oakland, California, USA. suttonp@obgyn.ucsf.edu
Current Opinion in Obstetrics & Gynecology
|October 28, 2010
Summary
Environmental exposures significantly impact reproductive health. Women of childbearing age face widespread contact with toxic contaminants, necessitating clinical action to prevent lifelong health risks.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Growing evidence links environmental factors to human reproductive health outcomes.
- Ubiquitous exposure to toxic environmental contaminants affects women of childbearing age.
- Early-life chemical exposures can increase disease risks throughout life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of reproductive environmental health science.
- To discuss the implications for obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) clinical practice.
- To highlight the need for action to prevent environmental harm.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of reproductive environmental health research.
- Analysis of scientific evidence on chemical exposures and reproductive health.
- Examination of current trends in toxicity testing, risk assessment, and policy.
Main Results:
- Women of childbearing age are constantly exposed to numerous toxic environmental contaminants.
- Subtle chemical exposures during critical developmental windows elevate risks for disease and disability.
- Leading scientists and clinicians advocate for prompt intervention to mitigate harm.
Conclusions:
- OB/GYNs can intervene during preconception and pregnancy to prevent adverse reproductive health outcomes.
- Evidence-based resources are being developed to guide clinical prevention recommendations.
- Future changes in chemical evaluation and regulation may aid in patient risk assessment and exposure reduction.
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