Workplace factors and reproductive health: causation and occupational risks assessment

Background. Exposure to physical and chemical work-related hazards can lead to an impairment of reproductive function, gynecological diseases and a pregnancy course worsening. Aim to determine methods of prevention and treatment of occupational disorders of the reproductive system in women and men who deals with harmful labour conditions. Outcomes and methods. To write this review a search for domestic and foreign publications in Russian and international search systems (PubMed, eLibrary, etc.) for the last 2-15 years was conducted. The review includes articles from peer-reviewed literature. Results. Evaluation of a relationship and its degree between a reproductive system diseases and workplace conditions showed that women working in harmful conditions (class 3.1-3.3) had complications of pregnancy and childbirth disorders which were to a high or medium degree related to their labour conditions. Newborns’ health disorders were assessed as a category of very high degree relationships with the mother’s work. Thus the fact that maternal occupational risks induce a child’s health disorders can be considered as fundamentally proven. This study data showed that occupations of high risk of a reproductive health disorders include female workers who work in conditions of class 3 of the 2nd degree of harm. Conclusions. Obstetrician-gynecologists, occupational physicians who work as part of medical commissions for preliminary and periodic medical examinations as well as obstetrician-gynecologists who deals with women of reproductive age in women’s consultation clinic and reproductive health centers (including those planning childbearing) need to make decisions strictly according to legal and regulatory acts on health protection of employees who work under arduous and harmful labour conditions, and above all to consider on maintenance of their reproductive function.