Women’s and men’s reproductive health is increasingly under threat from an invisible enemy: toxic environmental chemicals. From endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) to micro- and nanoplastics and air pollution, a growing body of research shows these pollutants interfere with hormonal balance, fertility and long-term health outcomes.
Understanding this connection is critical, not just for healthcare providers but for employers striving to offer inclusive, forward-thinking benefits that safeguard employee well-being.
How Toxic Chemicals Affect Women’s and Men’s Reproductive Health
Endocrine Disruptors: Widespread and Dangerous
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are found in plastics, pesticides, flame retardants and many personal care products. Studies confirm that EDCs can disrupt hormone signaling, impair ovarian function and even trigger premature ovarian insufficiency.
Key findings include:
- Accelerated loss of ovarian follicles, leading to early menopause.
- Impaired oocyte quality, reducing the likelihood of successful pregnancies.
- Higher risks for hormone-dependent cancers like breast and endometrial cancer.
- Lower quality sperm
Critically, EDCs don’t just affect women and men at the time of exposure. Prenatal and early life exposures can cause health issues that emerge decades later, impacting fertility, pregnancy outcomes and cancer risk.
Microplastics and Nanoplastics: A New Threat
Microplastics and even more concerning nanoplastics, have been detected in human reproductive tissues, including the placenta. Their tiny size allows them to cross biological barriers like the blood-placenta barrier and blood-testis barrier, raising alarms for fetal and reproductive health.
Recent research shows:
- Nanoplastics can trigger oxidative stress and DNA damage, impairing egg quality and embryo development.
- Inhaled nanoplastics may disrupt uterine vascular function, affecting implantation and pregnancy success.
The pervasiveness of nanoplastics in the environment, from bottled water to seafood, makes reducing exposure nearly impossible without systemic changes.
Pollution and Endometriosis: A Clear Link
Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), has been linked to an increased risk of endometriosis.
Heavy metals like cadmium and environmental toxicants such as dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can also disrupt hormonal regulation, promoting inflammation and oxidative stress, two key drivers of endometriosis development and progression.
Endometriosis is not only a leading cause of infertility but also contributes to chronic pain, emotional distress and decreased quality of life. Without proper support, employees managing endometriosis often experience reduced productivity and higher healthcare costs.
DEHP Exposure and Uterine Health
Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), a common plasticizer, has been shown to significantly impair uterine health. Animal models reveal that DEHP exposure can:
- Disrupt uterine morphology, making implantation and pregnancy maintenance more difficult.
- Interfere with hormone receptor signaling, contributing to infertility and increased miscarriage risk.
- Promote inflammatory pathways, further damaging reproductive tissues.
Given that DEHP is found in food packaging, medical devices and consumer products, widespread exposure poses a significant and ongoing risk.
Why This Matters for Employers
Employers who understand and act on the connections between environmental toxicants and women’s health can:
- Enhance recruitment and retention by offering proactive, inclusive reproductive health benefits.
- Reduce absenteeism and healthcare costs by supporting early detection, fertility preservation and personalized care.
- Promote a culture of wellness and inclusivity, boosting morale and engagement.
Ignoring these emerging threats risks not only the well-being of employees but also the long-term sustainability of the workforce.
Employers should prioritize employee safety by proactively managing toxic chemicals that may impact women’s and men’s reproductive health and provide education and support:
- Training: Provide training on chemical hazards and safe work practices.
- Resources: Offer resources and guidance to employees who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, including information about their rights and potential risks.
- Employee Concerns: Create a system for employees to voice concerns about chemical exposures and potential health effects.
How ARC Fertility Supports Employers and Employees
ARC Fertility recognizes that protecting reproductive health requires more than offering IVF coverage. It means offering comprehensive, evidence-based support for the full spectrum of family-building challenges, including those triggered by environmental exposures.
ARC Fertility partners with employers to deliver:
- Flexible, inclusive fertility benefit packages that address egg freezing, fertility preservation and advanced reproductive technologies.
- Access to a nationwide network of board-certified specialists experienced in managing complex reproductive health issues.
- Personalized Care Navigation, ensuring every employee feels supported through their family-building journey.
- Cost-effective pricing models, helping employers provide high-value benefits without unnecessary financial burden.
ARC Fertility helps employers empower their workforce to build their families with confidence, despite the growing environmental challenges.
Building a Healthier Future: How Employers Can Lead on Reproductive Health
Toxic chemicals are a real and growing threat to women’s reproductive health. Employers can—and must—be part of the solution.
By expanding fertility benefits, promoting preventive reproductive care and partnering with trusted experts like ARC Fertility, organizations can champion employee well-being and strengthen their future workforce.
Contact ARC Fertility today to learn how we can help you deliver fertility benefits that protect, empower and inspire your employees.