A method for monitoring the fertility of workers. 1. Method and pilot studies

A method has been developed for monitoring male and female industrial workers and other persons exposed to environmental agents which may impair fertility. The essential feature of the method is its ability to distinguish the potential effects of occupational exposure from a multitude of other factors known to affect fertility. Information is collected primarily through use of a questionnaire which take less than three minutes to complete and can be administered to persons of either sex. The advantages and limitations of the method are considered in the context of pilot studies at two small chemical plants and of a review of attempts to assess occupational effects of fertility from interviews of health records.