Environmental Impacts on Reproductive Health: Foundations of the Science Association of Reproductive Health Professionals

Expert Medical Advisory Committee Kathleen Hill Besinque, PharmD, MSEd, FCSHP Maureen Paul, MD, MPH Barbara Sattler, RN, DrPH, FAAN Ted Schettler, MD, MPH Michael Thomas, MD (co-chair) Tracey Woodruff, PhD, MPH (co-chair) Sandy Worthington, MSN, WHNP-BC, CNM

Acknowledgment of Support This project is funded through a grant from the Passport Foundation and the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund.

Faculty Disclosure Speaker: Kirtly Jones, MD: nothing to disclose Note: Staff and committee disclosures listed in program

Learning Objectives At the conclusion of this course, clinicians should be able to: Appreciate impact of exposure to harmful environmental chemicals and heavy metals on reproductive health Express value of incorporating basic questions about environmental risks into patient history & physical examination more…

Learning Objectives (continued) Use resources that provide information about environmental exposures in their communities & patient populations Refer patients to relevant resources & further information to learn more about environmental risks

Awareness of Environmental Exposures & Impacts Is Growing Air pollution Water contamination Harmful substances in physical structures and workplaces Food contamination Personal care products

…exposures of males and females to foreign substances prior to conception can affect both their ability to conceive and the health of their offspring. Davis DL, et al. JAMA Awareness of Reproductive Effects Is Growing

Reproductive Trends in Some Geographic Areas Raise Concerns Increase in testicular cancer incidence Decreasing sperm counts Decline in serum testosterone Earlier pubertal development in girls Fewer males being born Documented increases in certain types of birth defects Bray F, et al. Int J Cancer. 2006; Edmond LD, James LM. MMWR Surveill Summ. 1990; Euling et al. Pediatrics. 2008; Herman-Giddens ME. Int J Androl. 2006; Harris KB. Mol Genet Metab. 2007; Hertz-Picciotto et al. Environmental Health. 2008; Jørgensen N, et al. Int J Androl. 2006; Mackenzie CA. Environ Health Perspect. 2005; Travison TG, et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2007; Vu LT. J Pediatr

Some Reproductive Effects Are Well Known Jones HE, et al. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am EPA Woodruff TJ, et al. Fertil Steril. 2008; CDC. 2009; US Surgeon General High exposure to:Can Increase the Risk of… Tobacco smoke Miscarriage Infertility Preterm delivery Low semen quality Low birth weight Neurodevelopmental abnormalities in offspring Alcohol use Fetal alcohol syndrome Mental retardation Behavioral problems Birth defects Heavy metals (lead) Miscarriage Infertility Menstrual irregularities Abnormal sperm Altered pubertal onset Toluene (e.g., in paint thinner, solvents) Fetal solvent syndrome DBCP (pesticide) Low sperm countOther male reproductive effects

Content Overview This slide set will review: State of the science Windows of susceptibility Patient counseling Further information and resources

US Chemical Production and Importation Are High GAO. 2006; EPA *Among those tested for certain properties, reproductive/environmental effects often have not been assessed. 87K3K8K Approximate no. of chemicals registered for commerce in US are produced or imported in annual quantities of >1 million pounds --or one-tenth--have been tested for potential health effects*

Reproductive health & fetal/child development Adapted from Hubbs-Tait et al. Psychological Science in the Public Interest Many Complex Factors Interact to Affect the Impact of Exposures

Exposure-Effect Continuum CDC Biological uptake (exposure) Target Organ Dose Biologic Change/ Clinical Effect Source e.g., testis, ovary, transplacental transport Breathing, eating/drinking, skin contact e.g., air, water, food, soil

The Barker Hypothesis Barker DJ. Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2002; Woodruff TK, Walker CL. Fertil Steril. 2008; Woodruff TJ, et al. Fertil Steril Exposures to adverse insults during critical…windows of development can permanently reprogram normal physiologic responses, and thus give rise to…disorders later in life. Woodruff TJ, et al. Fertil Steril. 2008

Biomonitoring Can Yield Useful Information Measures chemical levels in body tissues or fluids (e.g., organ tissue, hair, breast milk, blood, urine) One way to document exposures Often accurate at low levels But… Usually unable to identify source Often clinical significance is unclear Sexton K, et al. American Scientist

Environmental Exposures and Critical Windows of Susceptibility Woodruff TJ, et al. Fertil Steril

Identified Reproductive Endpoints in Animal and/or Human Studies FemaleMale Effects on: Oocyte & follicle development & function Ovary formation, cell organization Uterine development Corpus luteum development & function Pubertal development Menstrual & ovarian function Increased risk of: Cervical/vaginal cancer Infertility Miscarriage Effects on: Sertoli cell differentiation Spermatogonia formation, sperm count Testis, prostate, penis development Increased risk of testicular germ cell cancer Low serum testosterone levels Casarett and Doulls Toxicology: The Basic Science of Poisons

Environmental Effects Have Multiple Mechanisms Examples: Damage to oocytes/sperm Interference with cell function Changes to DNA structure/gene expression Toxicants more… Casarett and Doulls Toxicology: The Basic Science of Poisons

Exposure May Affect DNA Structure and Gene Expression Structural changes to DNA sequence Functional changes to gene expression more… Casarett and Doulls Toxicology: The Basic Science of Poisons

Example: Hormone disruption Modification of gene expression Chromosomal damage Exposure May Affect DNA Structure and Gene Expression Structural changes to DNA sequence Functional changes to gene expression Example: Gene mutations Example: Birth defects and cancer Examples: Altered hormone levels, early puberty, infertility Casarett and Doulls Toxicology: The Basic Science of Poisons

Epigenetic Effects Result from Changes in Gene Expression Epigenetic effects: Not caused by internal changes in DNA May be caused by external environmental factors that modify gene activation May be passed to subsequent generations (preliminary evidence) Bird A. Nature. 2007; Cavalli G, et al. Cell

DES Cancer Network. 2008; Dieckman WJ, et al. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1999; Herbst AL. N Engl J Med. 1971; NIEHS. 2008; Schrager S, et al. Am Fam Physician DES: An Example of Delayed Effects Given to pregnant women from 1930s to1970s to prevent miscarriage Linked to health effects in offspring Increased cancer risk; reproductive abnormalities more…

DES Cancer Network. 2008; Dieckman WJ, et al. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1999; Herbst AL. N Engl J Med. 1971; NIEHS. 2008; Schrager S, et al. Am Fam Physician DES: An Example of Delayed Effects (continued) Examples of delayed effects in offspring: High-risk pregnancy; miscarriage Increased vaginal, cervical, breast cancer Increased infertility Structural defects in reproductive organs

DES: An Example of Delayed Effects (continued) Women who took DES while pregnant DES Daughters DES Sons Testes Penis Prostate Epididymis Fertility Sperm* Seminal vesicles* DES Granddaughters Menstruation Ovaries* Uterus* DES Grandsons Penis Rete testis* Seminal vesicles* Prostate* DES Granddaughters Ovaries* Uterus* Immune system* Ovaries Fallopian tubes Uterus Cervix Vagina Breast Fertility Pregnancy Hormonal balance Menopause Bones Immune system Adapted from Schwartz JM, Woodruff TJ. Shaping Our Legacy * = Effects in animals

Welshons WV. Environ Health Perspect Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals Certain pesticides, industrial chemicals & byproducts, ingredients in plastics manufacture --Interfere with hormonal levels or functions, including estrogen, testosterone, prolactin, LH, FSH, thyroid, etc. --Demonstrated by rigorous animal studies & epidemiological observations

Position Statement on EDCs Endocrine Society Until such time as conclusive scientific evidence exists to either prove or disprove harmful effects of substances, a precautionary approach should be taken in the formulation of EDC policy. The Endocrine Society, June 2009

Woodruff TJ, et al. Fertil Steril. 2008; Harremoe ̈ s P, et al. The Precautionary Principle in the 20 th Century: Late Lessons from Early Warnings Lessons Learned from EDCs: PCBs Name Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Uses Coolants and lubricants in electrical equipment before 1977 Route of Exposure Mainly food contamination; body burden levels had been decreasing but recently have leveled off

Woodruff TJ, et al. Fertil Steril EDC Lessons Learned: PCBs (continued) Examples of potential effects: Altered neurodevelopment as a result of in utero exposure Endometriosis Reduced fertility Decreased semen quality Miscarriage Altered pubertal development Reproductive tract malformations

Assumption: Environmental research indicates: Doses below a certain threshold are safe. Effects of very low doses have been underestimated. High-dose testing predicts low- dose results. High-level tests do not necessarily predict low-level impacts. Effects typically increase with dose. Some effects are seen only at low levels. Welshons WV, et al. Environ Health Perspect Conventional Assumptions Are Being Questioned

Andrade AJM, et al. Toxicology. 2006; Welshons WV, et al. Environ Health Perspect. 2003; Welshons WV, et al. Endocrinology Most Environmental Health Science Is Based on Animal Studies Most evidence derived from animal studies and epidemiologic observation (e.g., occupational studies) Effects found at real-life doses

Many Factors Complicate the Environmental Health Picture Epidemiological studies have limited capacity to identify causal relationships Many factors contribute to the complexity of observed health outcomes Clinical relevance of population exposures are not always clear in the individual Safe levels are often based on many factors that can influence the interpretation of the scientific data

When an activity raises threats of harm to human health or the environment, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause- and-effect relationships are not fully established scientifically. Wingspread Consensus Statement on the Precautionary Principle First, Do No Harm

more… Translating Population-Wide Risks into Individual Risks Clinicians work with individuals, not populations Elevated population-wide risks may represent a very small increased risk for an individual Stoll C, et a. Arch Fr Pediatr. 1991; CDC

Translating Population-Wide Risks into Individual Risks (continued) Modest increases in risk can result in major public health concerns if exposed population is large A large increase in population-wide risk will be increasingly important in individuals, even if not many people are exposed Two times a rare event = still a very rare event

Small Individual Effects Can Have Significant Population Effects IQ Mean = million: gifted million: mentally retarded 70 Adapted from Weiss B. Neurotoxicology more…

Small Individual Effects Can Have Significant Population Effects (cont.) IQ Adapted from Weiss B. Neurotoxicology % increase in mentally retarded population Mean = 95 60% decrease in gifted population 9.4 million: mentally retarded million: gifted 130

Relevant for Every Patient Assessment of exposure risk is relevant for all patients Particular focus on points of heightened susceptibility: Preconception Pregnancy Childhood Pre-puberty Adolescence

CommunityHome/Hobbies Socioeconomic Occupation/ School Personal One Tool for Conducting an Environmental History: CH 2 OPS

C H 2 OPS: C ommunity Factories Landfills Businesses Hazardous waste sites Recreational areas Farms

So What Do I Do? Learn about local environmental issues Incorporate questions about exposures into every health history Suggest alternatives to reduce exposures Give specific guidance to patients who may become pregnant Provide handouts and websites for patients Conduct thyroid screening Work with women to assess workplace exposures

The Environmental Health History Environmental Health History Should Be Routine HOW? WHY? WHEN? Vulnerable Stages: Early childhood Puberty Adolescence Preconception planning (men & women) Pregnancy

Thyroid-Disrupting Chemicals Blount BE, et al. Environ Health Perspect. 2006; Boas M, et al. Eur J Endocrinol. 2006; Longnecker MP, et al. Environ Health Perspect. 2003; Steinmaus C, et al. Environ Health Perspect. 2007; Boas M, et al. Eur J Endocrinol. 2006; Brucker- Davis F. Thyroid. 1998; DeVito M, et al. Environ Health Perspect Miller MD, et al. Environ Health Perspect Hypothalamus Pituitary Hormone Synthesis TRH TSH Thyroid X X Iodine Iodine uptake X X Free TH Bound TH T 3 and T 4 Blood X X Adapted from Miller MD

Measuring Thyroid Function Allan WC, et al. J Med Screen. 2000; Caturegli P, et al. Endocri Rev. 2005; Glinoer D. Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2998; Endocrine Society. 2007; Pearce EN. Thyroid. 2007; Dosiou C, et al. Eur J Endocrinol. 2008; Environ Health Perspect. 2006; Haddow JE. N Engl J Med Image: Wikipedia

C ommunity: Guidance for Patients Access community organizations & resources, for information about: Dry cleaners that avoid toxic solvents Salon products without toluene, phthalates, and other toxic chemicals Grocery stores that carry organic products Resource Tip: Download the What We Can Do: Community Efforts to Protect Our Health Tool Kit from the Womens Health and the Environment Web siteWhat We Can Do: Community Efforts to Protect Our HealthWomens Health and the Environment

C H 2 OPS: H ome/ H obbies Pesticides Adhesives Furniture products Cleaners Detergents Gardening products (e.g., pesticides, plant food) more…

C H 2 OPS: H ome/ H obbies, cont. Exposure to: Carbon monoxide Metals Solvents Fishing: Be aware of fish advisories for mercury more…

H ome: Guidance for Patients Check for lead paint and pipes; manage dust Avoid canned foods and beverages Avoid certain types of plastics: No. 3: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) No. 6: Styrene (Styrofoam) No. 7: Polycarbonate (bisphenol A [BPA]) Where possible, avoid food stored in plastic containers or plastic wrap Avoid vinyl products, such as shower curtain liners Center for Health, Environment and Justice. 2008; NRDC. 2008; CDC

H ome: Guidance for Patients (continued) Use non-polycarbonate plastic or glass baby bottles Drink from unlined stainless steel bottles Eat fresh food when possible - frozen better than canned Buy processed food in cardboard Microwave food in glass or microwave safe plastic containers NRDC

H ome: Guidance for Patients (continued) Avoid using pesticides in homes, lawns, gardens, or on pets Wash fruits and vegetables; buy organic when possible; favor thick-skinned fruits and vegetables Resource Tips: Extensive resources are available to eliminate the use of pesticides or to use less toxic products. Some examples include: Visit Visit the Pesticide Action Network (PAN): Download the Shoppers Guide to Pesticides wallet card from the Environmental Working GroupShoppers Guide to Pesticides

H ome: Guidance for Patients (continued) Read labels on cleaning products Use ammonia and chlorine bleach sparingly, with ventilation Avoid mixing ammonia and chlorine Use inexpensive, nontoxic products such as vinegar and baking soda Resource Tip: Find nontoxic cleaning recipes on the Womens Voices for the Earth Web site or cleaning recipes

H ome: Guidance for Patients (continued) FDA. 2009; EPA 1999; NRDC Resource Tips : Learn about local fish advisories from the EPAlocal fish advisories Download a regional fish seafood-watch pocket guide from Seafood WATCHregional fish seafood-watch pocket guide Species to Avoid Shark Swordfish King mackerel Tilefish Safer Choices Trout Salmon Tilapia Sardines

H obbies: Guidance for Patients Understand mercury present in recreationally caught fish Use glue and solvents in well-ventilated spaces Garden with organic products

Chemicals Radiation Biological agents Pesticides in schools CH 2 O PS: O ccupation/School

O ccupation: Guidance for Patients Become familiar with all chemicals used or encountered at work Learn about toxic properties of these chemicals Wash any exposed skin; change from work clothes at night; wash exposed clothes separately Take extra care if pregnant (or planning pregnancy) Use protective gear with toxic substances or radiation Resource Tip: Learn more from the CDC report, The Effects of Workplace Hazards on Female Reproductive HealthThe Effects of Workplace Hazards on Female Reproductive Health

O ccupation (Schools): Guidance for Patients Advise patients: Practice non-pesticide insect management; inform parents if pesticides used Use fruit &vegetables for snacks; avoid junk foods in cafeterias Avoid pressure-treated woods (arsenic) in playground equipment Resource Tip: Visit the Healthy Schools Network Web site and EPAs Healthy School Environments Web site to learn more about creating a healthier school environmentHealthy Schools NetworkHealthy School Environments

CH 2 O P S: P ersonal Dietary history Alcohol use Tobacco use Prescription & non- prescription medications Substance abuse Insect repellants Cosmetics; personal care products

P ersonal: Guidance for Patients Advise patients: Dont trust dermatologist-tested, natural, organic Learn about skin products that are safe for children Avoid tobacco use; exposure to 2nd-hand smoke Use alcohol in moderation Resource Tips: Check the safety of your own personal care products at the Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database and the Campaign for Safe CosmeticsSkin Deep Cosmetic Safety DatabaseCampaign for Safe Cosmetics Download the Safety Guide to Children's Personal Care Products from the Environmental Working GroupSafety Guide to Children's Personal Care Products Visit to find toy rankings and a safer toy shopping listwww.HealthyToys.org

CH 2 OP S : S ocioeconomic Living in higher levels of air pollution Exposure to lead, asbestos Limited access to nutritious food Vulnerability to other factors

S ocioeconomic: Guidance for Patients Advice for patients: Know tenant & citizen rights Work with community organizations, government agencies to ensure risk awareness & knowledge Resource Tip: Visit the Alliance for Healthy Homes Web site for tools and tips on reducing environmental hazards in homes and communitiesAlliance for Healthy Homes

Case Study : Jennifer 30 year old, married Contemplating pregnancy in next year Lab technician at polymer manufacturing company Presents for annual well- woman exam Occasional headaches

What Questions Should You Ask? When do headaches occur? Which chemicals? What protection does she use?

Material Safety Data Sheets Material Safety Data Sheets

Next Step? Order pregnancy test Carefully explore her options for transferring out of the lab to a less toxic work environment Offer to write a letter to her employer with recommendations for improved safety protections Consider an occupational health consult

Advocating for Workplace Safety

An Important Take-Home Message Identifying and reducing exposures to potentially harmful toxicants now increases the likelihood of a successful pregnancy outcome.

more… Summary Environmental exposures have been linked to reproductive health effects and may affect future generations Exposures may have more significance at critical points: --Preconception --Pregnancy --Childhood --Pre-puberty --Adolescence

Summary (continued) Clinicians can help by offering guidance, counseling, and resources: Emphasize preconception care Incorporate an environmental/occupational history as part of patient health history Be aware of risks in your community Work with community groups to reduce exposure levels Provide education and information sources

ARHP Resources Learn more at the ARHP Web site: Click on Environmental and Reproductive Health topic area --Fact Sheet: Environmental and Reproductive Health Resources for Health Care Providers --Patient handout: Health Matters: The Connection Between Your Health and the Environment

Resources for Clinicians Critical Windows of Development ( Online tool from The Endocrine Disruption Exchange (TEDX) ReproTox ( Summaries on the effects of >5,000 agents and exposures on pregnancy, reproduction, and developmentwww.reprotox.org TOXNET ( Databases on toxicology, hazardous chemicals, environmental health, and toxic releaseshttp://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/ more…

Resources for Clinicians (continued) American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine ( Collaborative on Health and Environment (CHE) database ( EnviRN ( Local environmental health specialists Occupational and environmental health departments in universities

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