TOXICOLOGY OF MALE REPRODUCTION IN ANIMALS AND HUMANS

Environmental contaminants can interfere with the male reproduction fu nction. A review is presented of those pollutants with adverse effects on human reproduction. The possible effects of occupational and envir onmental exposure to various substances on male reproductive health ar e evaluated. This analysis considers studies showing damage of men exp osed to halogenated hydrocarbons, other organic compounds, heavy metal s and some physical agents, and some lifestyles, such as continuous st ress, alcohol consumption, cigarette and marijuana smoking, and other addictions. Possible influences of these agents on the neuroendocrine system with the decrease of male fertility during the last decades are also discussed.