Pesticides may pose a risk to pregnancy

Photo Credit:  Nina Matthews Photo Credit: Nina Matthews

A recent joint report by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine suggests that environmental chemicals such as pesticides are a risk in pregnancy. The publication highlights research showing that most pregnant women are exposed to at least 43 different chemicals that could have potential impacts on fetal health. Exposure to pollutants could also harm men’s reproductive ability, with exposure to some chemicals resulting in increased risk of sterility and prostate cancer. The report urges doctors to push for stricter policies in identifying chemical exposure risks to reproduction.