Generations at Risk Project

Reproductive Health and the Environment

Each year disorders of reproductive health result in devastating consequences for tens of thousands of Americans. Well-known as associated with one or more reproductive disorders are tobacco, alcohol, and some drugs. However, often ignored are other substances found in the work, community, or home environment which may have similar adverse health effects.

At the same time that reproductive abnormalities are becoming increasingly common in our society, the evidence linking such disorders to exposure to certain toxic chemicals is becoming clearer. The fact that many of these disorders are preventable, and that not enough is being done to develop or promote methods of prevention, has encouraged us to address this issue now.

The Project

Book and Reports

• Generations at Risk: Reproductive Health and the Environment
  MIT Press, July 1999 - A book that reviews the linkages between four major classes of chemicals - solvents, pesticides, metals and endocrine disruptors - and reproductive health effects including miscarriages, birth defects, and fertility issues. It includes sections on exposure assessment, consumer and worker activism, regulation of hazardous chemicals and a primer for the clinician.
  
• Generations at Risk: How Environmental Toxins May Effect Reproductive Health in Massachusetts
  August 1996 - A report by Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility (GBPSR) and the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group (MASSPIRG) Education Fund.
  
• Generations at Risk: How Environmental Toxicants May Affect Reproductive Health in New Jersey
  A report by New Jersey Physicians for Social Responsibility (NJPSR) and New Jersey Public Interest Research Group (NJPIRG).
  
• Generations at Risk: How Environmental Toxicants May Effect Reproductive Health in California
  A report by Physicians for Social Responsibility (Greater San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles chapters) and the California Public Interest Research Group Charitable Trust.

Fact Sheets

Please download, copy, and distribute to other health care practitioners, patients, health institution libraries, and medical students. Copy the table on the back side of each for a handy, one sheet quick reference.

If you don't have the software to access PDF files (you need Adobe Acrobat Reader), then fill in the form on the Reports and Publications page or send us an e-mail message and we'll send you a copy of each fact sheet via postal mail or fax.

One page^* fact sheets for download and distribution:

• Physician Fact Sheet 
  The Reproductive Health & Environmental Exposures fact sheet includes key points on chemicals that affect reproductive and developmental health, recommended questions for taking an environmental history, and resources for more information.

• Patient Fact Sheet 
  The How Chemical Exposures Affect Reproductive Health fact sheet includes key points on chemicals that affect reproductive and developmental health, suggested information to bring to your health care provider, and resources for more information.

  ^*On the back side of each fact sheet and applicable to both is a Reproductive Outcomes Associated with Chemical Exposures table which includes information on the origin, use, and health effects of nearly 50 chemicals/substances.

All health effects data derived from peer-reviewed literature referenced in Generations at Risk.