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Med. Pr. 2007;58(5):433-438

RISK OF REPRODUCTIVE DISORDERS IN GREENHOUSE WORKERS

RYZYKO ZABURZEŃ REPRODUKCJI WŚRÓD OSÓB PRACUJĄCYCH W GOSPODARSTWACH OGRODNICZYCH

Joanna Jurewicz, Wojciech Hanke

Abstract

This study reviews the evidence on the association between work in greenhouses and reproductive disorders. The analysis indicate that employment in greenhouses may increase the risk of birth defects, preterm delivery and spontaneous abortion, and also may affect birth weight. The obtained results showed that employment in the agriculture production sector (greenhouses) of more than 10 years decreased the median sperm concentration in men. The data on the effect of employment in greenhouses on the time to pregnancy are unequivocal, but most of them suggest that there is a relationship between the decreased fecundity ratio and greenhouse work, mostly due to exposure to pesticides. The literature review indicates a great need to increase awareness among greenhouse workers occupationally exposed to pesticides about potential negative effects of these chemicals on their health. Med Pr 2007;58(5):433ś438

Key words

work in greenhouses, occupational exposure in greenhouses, reproductive disorders