DHHS publication ; no. (NIOSH)

DHHS publication ; no. (NIOSH) 96-132This pamphlet discussed male reproductive hazards which occur in the workplace. Reproductive hazards were defined as substances which have an effect on the ability to produce healthy children. These included radiation, various chemicals, drugs, cigarettes, and heat. At the workplace several substances have been identified as hazardous to the reproductive system including lead (7439921). Workers can be exposed through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion. Those substances which affect a man at work may also indirectly cause harm to their families as they may be brought home on the worker's clothing. In addition to lead, the following substances have also been shown to affect reproductive functions of male workers: dibromochloropropane (96128), carbaryl (63252), toluenediamine (25376458), and dinitrotoluene (25321146), ethylene- dibromide (106934), styrene (100425), acetone (67641), ethylene- glycol-monoethyl-ether (110805), welding, perchloroethylene (127184), mercury (7439976) vapor, heat, military radar, kepone (143500), bromine (7726956), radiation, carbon-disulfide (75150), and 2,4-dichlorophenoxy-acetic-acid (94757). Specific effects on sperm were discussed, including the number, shape and transfer of sperm. Changes in sexual performance may also occur and the effect of a damaged sperm on an egg was noted. Suggestions were offered for assisting the male worker in preventing exposures which may prove to be harmful.OtherOccupational Healt