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Updated: May 16, 2026

Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
Published on: March 6, 2018
Persistent environmental pollutants and couple fecundity: the LIFE study
Germaine M Buck Louis1, Rajeshwari Sundaram, Enrique F Schisterman
1Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, Maryland, USA. louisg@mail.nih.gov
Persistent environmental pollutants like PCBs may reduce fertility. This study found certain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and perfluorochemicals (PFCs) were linked to lower couple fecundity, impacting time to pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Persistent environmental pollutants are suspected reproductive toxicants.
- Prospective studies measuring couple exposures are needed to confirm these risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between specific persistent environmental pollutants and couple fecundity.
- Fecundity was assessed by measuring the time to pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort of 501 couples trying to conceive was followed for up to 12 months.
- Serum concentrations of organochlorine pesticides, polybrominated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and perfluorochemicals (PFCs) were quantified.
- Cox models were used to estimate fecundability odds ratios (FORs) adjusted for covariates.
Main Results:
- Increased serum concentrations of certain PCBs (e.g., PCB 167 in females, PCB 138 in males) and p,p´-DDE in males were associated with reduced fecundability.
- Reductions in fecundability ranged from 17% to 29% with increased pollutant levels.
- Strongest associations included PCB 167 in females (FOR 0.79) and PCB 138 in males (FOR 0.71).
Conclusions:
- A subset of persistent environmental chemicals, including specific PCBs, are associated with reduced fecundity in couples.
- This study highlights the impact of environmental exposures on reproductive health in both partners.
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