The influence of harmful occupational physical factors on the male workers’ reproductive health (analytical review)

Abstract

This paper provides a review of the literature for the analysis and assessment of the occupational risk of reproductive health disorders of male workers under the influence of harmful physical factors of production. To assess the risk of exposure to harmful industrial physical factors on the reproductive health of male workers, the authors have applied the method of analytical review of the data obtained. Literature data show that the work of men in conditions of both high and low temperatures can lead to a violation of reproductive function. In the bakery, ceramic, steel, welding and other industries, working conditions are characterized by the presence of hyperthermia. Researchers have identified a violation of reproductive function in male workers, along with changes in the physiological parameters of the body's homeostasis. There are few studies on the effects of noise and vibration on the reproductive health of working men, and there are few studies on the effects of ultra- and infrasound. The consequences of such exposure are disorders of hormonal status, spermatogenesis, leading to further changes in reproductive function, impotence and infertility. Scientists confirm these data with experimental studies on animals and volunteers. Exposure to ionizing radiation is a proven factor of reproductive dysfunction, which leads to changes in the quantity and quality of sperm, reproductive hormones. The consequence of exposure to ionizing radiation are chromosomal abnormalities, leading to congenital anomalies in offspring. It has been shown that the biological effect of electromagnetic fields of various frequency ranges (cell phones, microwave ovens, laptops, devices with Wi-Fi, as well as other types of non–ionizing radiation — low-frequency electromagnetic fields and extremely high-frequency) on reproductive organs can manifest itself in changes in spermatogenesis indicators, DNA damage, genomic instability, hormonal regulation and work disorders protein kinases, hormones, antioxidant enzymes, leading to disorders of sexual behavior, decreased fertility, up to infertility. The presented data show that harmful occupational physical factors can lead to violations of the reproductive health of male workers. Currently, there is no systematic approach to solving the problem. In this regard, it is necessary to develop a scientifically sound system for assessing occupational risk and making managerial decisions to preserve reproductive health, since a decrease in the fertility of male workers potentially affects the well-being of the family and society as a whole.