ABSTRACT
Occupational exposure to chemicals in human females may be hazardous to a wide range of reproductive processes. The female reproductive tract includes the ovary, oviduct, uterus, cervix, and vagina. Since female reproductive toxicology involves a variety of reproductive processes, a clear understanding of each process is crucial to evaluate the reproductive risk due to chemical exposure. The process of germ cell production in the female is called oogenesis. In human females oogenesis starts long before birth. Occupational exposure to carbon disulfide in rayon fiber manufacturing plants is known to cause menstrual disturbance in female workers. Lead, cadmium, mercury, manganese and tin have also been reported to cause abnormal menses and spontaneous abortions. Reports suggest that exposure to gasoline vapors in the industrial setting can alter ovarian functions. Menstrual disturbances were also noted in women exposed to benzene, chlorine, hexachlorocyclohexane and chlorobenzene.
