Reproductive and Birth Outcomes and the Environment

Adverse reproductive and birth outcomes include infertility, low birth weight, prematurity, and fetal and infant death. Research on reproductive and birth outcomes has considerably improved understanding of the risks of several substances found in the environment. Results from research into the role of specific environmental hazards play in these outcomes have been inconsistent. Some studies have found increased rates of adverse birth outcomes; other studies have found no effect. The following risk factors reflect the limited knowledge of the environment's role:

• Secondhand smoke exposure to nonsmoking pregnant women is a risk factor for some adverse birth outcomes.
• A limited body of evidence points to a link between components of air pollution and adverse birth outcomes.
• Pesticides that have been associated with fetal death include
  • herbicides,
  • organochlorides, and
  • organophosphates.
• A 2004 research review concluded that occupational exposure to pesticides may contribute to intrauterine growth retardation and fetal death but more data is needed.

Few studies of environmental hazards and birth outcomes have examined the interactive effects of exposure to multiple pollutants, or of co-exposure to pollutants and parental factors such as adverse social conditions. These conditions may include living in poverty, crime, poor health, and lack of access to medical care.