Are Environmental Contaminants Endangering The Fertility Of Future Generations?

Main Category: Fertility
Article Date: 17 Jun 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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We know that the environment can have long-term effects on our health, but what about the health of those who aren't born yet? A recent study looking at the birth weights of more than 5 million children born in Canada between 1981 and 2003 showed an increase in the frequency of genital malformations in male newborns and a decrease in male fertility.

Researchers concluded that the growing presence of environmental contaminants could be a plausible source of blame. What are the effects of these contaminants on the health of mothers and fetuses, and what are the implications for future generations?

Dr. Michael Kramer, Scientific Director of the Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and key collaborator on this study, is available to discuss the study results and the impact of environmental contaminants on the health of mothers and fetuses in the present and the future.

Source
Canadian Institutes of Health Research