Six years ago, the World Health Organisation stated that accidental poisonings cause the death of an estimated 355,000 people worldwide each year. Two-thirds of these deaths are in developing countries. These poisonings are strongly linked to excessive exposure to toxic chemicals and their inappropriate use. Many toxic chemicals can be released directly into soil, water, and air from industrial processes, pulp, paper plants, tanning operations and mining at levels or rates that are well beyond what is safe for human health. Intentional poisonings can be used in many types of intentional actions. These include radioactive heavy metals and toxic chemicals. You can find extensive details of heavy metals, their effects on the body, and sources at https://www.gdx.net/core/supplemental-education-materials/Toxic-and-Nutrient-Elements-Chart.pdf.
It is important to mention that these poisons have the potential to kill by attacking the body’s organ systems, such as the kidney, heart and brain. Some of these poisons can be deadly quickly in certain countries, as was the case with the one used to kill the relative of a top-ranking head of state. The toxins can also cause infertility. I have been involved in reproductive biology and medicine for more than four decades. People today also have arthritis, neuromuscular instability, abnormal gaits and disorders of the mid brain, cerebellum, and cerebellum.
It is alarming to learn that the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has estimated that by 2020 nearly one-third world’s chemical production will be in non-OECD countries and that global production will be 85% higher than 1995. The risk to the environment and health of shifting chemical production from developed countries to developing countries could be increased. We are now at 2021 and heading into 2022, and we know the situation is worse than we expected for many reasons.
As a member of FIGO Committee on Climate Change and Toxic Environmental Exposures, I want to emphasize that the above poses a clear and immediate threat to general well-being, infertility and healthy living. Rudyard Kipling said ignorance is the greatest sin. Last week, I published an updated article on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. I mentioned the fact that Endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDCs), or endocrine disruptionors, are exogenous substances and mixtures that alter the function(s) the endocrine systems and cause adverse effects in an intact animal or its progeny (or sub) populations. The sum of these toxins is called EDCs or AGEs. Advanced glycation products (AGEs), have been a controversial topic in recent years that requires urgent answers. These toxicants may be involved in the pathogenesis or PCOS through the Western lifestyle and diet. Numerous scientific studies have shown that these toxicants play a significant role in the pathophysiology, and potentially their negative epigenetic effect. These factors, also known as endocrine disruptionors, are found in many products in our environment and can cause harm to the reproductive system. They can lead to infertility. This has prompted me to reexamine the current danger in our environment.
Infertility is a modern epidemic that affects more couples than ever before. One in six couples have difficulty getting pregnant in developed countries. This is much worse in developing countries. It is now known that the problem of infertility that affects women can also affect men. It is now clear that natural treatment for infertility involves addressing all systems of the body, not just the reproductive system.
Many couples who have trouble getting pregnant are affected by a combination of subclinical conditions. Although these conditions cannot cause infertility by themselves, they can significantly reduce a couple’s chances of conceiving. Gluten intolerance is not a cause of infertility. However, the gut inflammation that results can reduce nutrient absorption and lead you to deficiencies in nutrients necessary for healthy sperm, egg, and hormone production. DNA can be damaged by exposure to heavy metals, radiation, toxic chemicals in certain foods, drugs, or other products. Recent research in nutrigenomic (a study on the effects of nutrients upon gene expression) has shown that what we eat can have an impact on our gene structure and expression.
Limit your exposure to toxic substances
Adult fertility can be affected by exposure to environmental toxins, such as industrial chemicals, in utero or neonatal. Most chemicals used every day do not pass the same tests as medicines. Poisonous chemicals can then circulate in the environment, food supply, water, and air.
Lead is the most convincing evidence that heavy metals and pollution are negatively affecting women’s reproductive health. Other compounds that alter hormone function and can have adverse effects on reproductive health include:
The environment and our diet can cause ovulation disruptions or even complete stoppages. Endocrine disruptors can cause endometriosis (polycystic-ovarian syndrome) and hormonal disruptions that affect hormone function.
Plastic food containers, cling wrapping, IV bags, medical supplies and vinyl flooring are all high-level sources of phthalates. They can also cause miscarriage, testicular toxicities, and even lead to the death of testicular cells. They can also disrupt hormone balance in low levels.
Polyvinyl chloride chemicals (PVC): Used in rubber tires and plastics. PAH (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons): These chemicals are released from cigarettes, car fumes, and road tar. Oil fossils, aviation fuels and diesel fumes can also disrupt gamete formation in males as well as females.
Tomorrow’s post will continue.
Prof. Ashiru, who is also the medical director of Medical Art Centre (MART), Centre Maryland, Ikeja Lagos, is a pioneer in IVF in Nigeria and adjunct professor at University of Illinois, Chicago, United States. He is also president of African Fertility Society.