Reproductive toxicant

Reproductive toxicity is a broad class. One branch covers adult reproductive effects, such as reduced sperm quality, disrupted cycles or lower fertility. Another covers developmental effects in the child, which overlap with teratogenic effects but also include altered growth, functional deficits and loss of the pregnancy.

Under GHS and HazCom the class has Category 1A and 1B for known or presumed toxicants and Category 2 for suspected ones. A separate additional category exists for effects on or via lactation. Hazard statements run from H360 for the most serious categories to H361 for suspected effects, with letters indicating whether fertility, the unborn child or both are of concern.

Both men and women can be affected, so reproductive hazards are not only a concern for pregnant workers. Some substances, such as certain metals and solvents, have a long history of linkage to reproductive harm, and the label will state whether the evidence concerns fertility, development or both.

Because injuries can be subtle and delayed, controls should aim at lower exposure for all workers. Programs that single out some workers can create legal problems and still leave others exposed.