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Background: Ambient air pollution has been associated with a variety of reproductive disorders. However, a limited amount of research has been conducted to examine the association between air pollution and male reproductive outcomes, specifically semen quality. Aim: The present study was designed to address the hypothesis that exposure to fluctuating levels of specific air pollutants adversely affects sperm parameters and the level of reproductive hormones. Subjects and methods: The study population consisted of 327 men who were attending an infertility clinic in Łodź, Poland for diagnostic purposes and who had normal semen concentration of 15–300 mln/ml. All participants were interviewed and provided a semen sample. Air quality data were obtained from AirBase database. Results: The statistically significant association was observed between abnormalities in sperm morphology and exposure to all examined air pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOX, CO). Exposure to air pollutants (PM10, PM2.5,CO, NOx) was also negatively associated with the level of testosterone. Additional exposure to PM2.5, PM10increase the percentage of cells with immature chromatin (HDS). Conclusions: The present study provides suggestive evidence of an association between ambient air pollution and sperm quality. Further research is needed to explore this association in more detail. Individual precise exposure assessment would be needed for more detailed risk characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The present study was designed to investigate whether environmental exposure to pyrethroids was associated with sperm DNA damage. Between January 2008 and April 2011 286 men under 45 years of age with a normal sperm concentration of 15-300 106/ml [WHO 2010] were recruited from an infertility clinic in Lodz, Poland. Participants were interviewed and provided urine, saliva, and semen samples. The pyrethroids metabolites: 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3PBA), cis-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid (CDCCA), trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid (TDCCA), and cis-2,2-dibromovinyl-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane-carboxylic acid (DBCA) were analyzed in the urine using a validated gas chromatography ion-tap mass spectrometry method. Sperm DNA damage was assessed using a flow cytometry based on sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA). A positive association was observed between CDCCA >50th percentile and the percentage of medium DNA fragmentation index (M DFI) and percentage of immature sperms (HDS) ( p = 0.04, p = 0.04 respectively). The level of 3PBA >50th percentile in urine was positively related to the percentage of high DNA fragmentation index (H DFI) ( p = 0.03). The TDCCA, DBCA levels, and the sum of pyrethroid metabolites were not associated with any sperm DNA damage measures. Our results suggest that environmental pyrethroid exposure may affect sperm DNA damage measures index indicated the reproductive effects of pyrethroid exposure on adult men. In view of the importance of human reproductive health and the widespread usage of pyrethroids, it is important to further investigate these correlations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between exposure to lifestyle factors and adverse effects on human reproductive health is debated in the scientific literature and these controversies have increased public and regulatory attention. The aim of the study was to examine the association between modifiable lifestyle factors and main semen parameters, sperm morphology, and sperm chromatin structure. The study population consisted of 344 men who were attending an infertility clinic for diagnostic purposes with normal semen concentration of 20-300 M/ml or with slight oligozoospermia (semen total concentration of 15-20 M/ml) [WHO 1999]. Participants were interviewed and provided semen samples. The interview included questions about demographics, socio-economic status, medical history, lifestyle factors (consumption of alcohol, tobacco, coffee intake, cell phone and sauna usage), and physical activity. The results of the study suggest that lifestyle factors may affect semen quality. A negative association was found between increased body mass index (BMI) and semen volume ( p = 0.03). Leisure time activity was positively associated with sperm concentration ( p = 0.04) and coffee drinking with the percentage of motile sperm cells, and the percentage of sperm head and neck abnormalities ( p = 0.01, p = 0.05, and p = 0.03, respectively). Drinking red wine 1-3 times per week was negatively related to sperm neck abnormalities ( p = 0.01). Additionally, using a cell phone more than 10 years decreased the percentage of motile sperm cells ( p = 0.02). Men who wore boxer shorts had a lower percentage of sperm neck abnormalities ( p = 0.002) and percentage of sperm with DNA damage ( p = 0.02). These findings may have important implications for semen quality and lifestyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Medycyna Pracy is the property of Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. Jerzego Nofera and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

My aim is to show how the principal notions of cognitive linguistics, namely metaphor and metonymy are helpful in the analysis of the ancient Indian poetical text, the Rigveda. Their use enables us to reconstruct aspects of thinking of the Rigvedic poets and to explain some obscure metaphors. The basic way of conceptualization of desire in the Rigveda is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Medycyna Pracy is the property of Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. Jerzego Nofera and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The epidemiological studies presented in this paper refer to the association between agricultural occupation of parents and the incidence of infertility, congenital malformations, miscarriage, low birthweight, small-for-gestational-age (SGA)birth,preterm delivery and stillbirth.The results of the analyses showed that employment in agriculture increases the risk of specific morphological abnormalities in sperm, including the decreased sperm count per ejaculate and declined percentage of viable sperm. In general, no effect of exposure to pesticides on sexual hormones was observed. The data on the effect of employment in agriculture on the time to pregnancy are unequivocal, but most of them suggest that there is a relationship between the decreased fecundability ratio and pesticide exposure. Nor does the research on the sex ratio of offspring provide explicit results. The analyses indicate that parental employment in agriculture could increase the risk of congenital malformations in the offsprings,particularly such as orofacial cleft, birthmarks in the form of hemangioma as well as musculoskeletal and nervous system defects. The data on the effect of occupational exposure to pesticides on birthweight are inconsistent. Although most of epidemiological studies do not reveal a significantly increased risk of SGA, a slower pace of fetal development corresponding to SGA in the population of women exposed to pyrethroids has been recently reported. There are also some indications that exposure to pesticides may contribute to stillbirth and female infertility. The literature review suggests a great need to increase awareness of workers who are occupationally exposed to pesticides about their potential negative influence on fertility and pregnancy outcome. In the light of existing although still limited evidence of adverse effects of pesticide exposure on fertility during the preconceptual period, it is necessary to reduce the exposure to pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between environmental exposure to nonpersistent insecticides and semen quality (concentration, motility, morphology, computer-aided semen analysis [CASA] parameters, and sperm DNA damage). Urine samples (n = 315) collected from men who attended the infertility clinic with normal semen concentration of 15 to 300 mln/ml and age under 45 years were analyzed for two metabolites (1-naphthol [1N] and 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol [TCPY]) of nonpersistent insecticides. Participants provided semen, blood, and saliva samples; additionally, men filled a detailed questionnaire. The results identified that urinary TCPY concentration was significantly associated with a decrease in motility; also there was a positive association between TCPY and DNA fragmentation index (DFI). 1N concentration was negatively associated with a percentage of sperm with normal morphology and positively with one of the CASA parameters (curvilinear velocity [VCL]). The results suggest that environmental exposure to nonpersistent insecticides may have an impact on semen quality parameters and sperm DNA damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1,1'-azodi(formamide) (azodicarbonamide - ADCA) is widely used as a blowing agent, a chemical substance designed to induce foaming processes. In Poland, ADCA is manufactured by a company specializing in the production of polyethylene foam bags and laminates used in various industries including home appliances, electronics, construction, furniture, automotive, and sports and leisure. The mechanism of action of ADCA involves thermal decomposition, resulting in nitrogen, carbon monoxide, as well as ammonia and carbon dioxide as the main gaseous decomposition products. These penetrate the polymer matrix, contributing to expansion and foaming properties. Most studies evaluating the relationship between occupational exposure and the development of allergic respiratory diseases focus on workers involved in ADCA production or its use as a blowing agent in plastics. The objective is to assess the respiratory sensitizing effects of ADCA in humans due to occupational exposure, based on literature data. The presented data confirm that long-term occupational exposure to ADCA can lead to persistent bronchial hyperreactivity symptoms in workers. 1,1'-azodi(formamide) can induce occupational asthma, with initial symptoms including nasal congestion, conjunctivitis, wheezing, and cough. Subsequently, symptoms such as chest tightness, dyspnea, and nocturnal cough attacks may appear, with a latency period of several years observed before symptom onset. In some cases, symptom progression was noted with continued ADCA exposure, while in others, exposure was discontinued after initial symptoms, preventing observation of symptom exacerbation. Prior exposure to allergens, such as working in bakeries, appears to accelerate symptom onset. Improvement in allergy symptoms has been noted during weekend breaks from work. There is no safe concentration identified for ADCA that would not result in adverse health effects for workers. A concentration of 0.036 mg/m 3 is considered the lowest observed adverse effect concentration, causing critical reduction in lung spirometric parameters. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(5):455-473., (This work is available in Open Access model and licensed under a CC BY-NC 3.0 PL license.)

Objectives: Research investigating the association between reproductive health and diet has predominantly focused on the antenatal and prenatal periods, as well as childbirth in women, and semen quality in men. There is a limited amount of research addressing female fertility assessed as ovarian reserve in relation to diet. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the association between dietary patterns and the parameters of ovarian reserve, such as antral follicle count (AFC), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol (E2) - predictors of reproductive health in women of childbearing age., Material and Methods: Women aged 24-39 years (N = 511) were enrolled from fertility clinic in central Poland. The count of antral follicles was determined using ultrasonography (USG), FSH and E2 levels were measured using a chemilumi- nescence method and for determination of AMH level, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method was employed. Diet was assessed according to food frequency questionnaire and dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis. Women were classified into 3 groups according to scores of each dietary pattern: Western, mixed, prudent., Results: Higher adherence to the prudent dietary pattern in obese women was associated with significantly higher AFC (p = 0.03) and AMH (p = 0.05) as compared to participants with the Western dietary pattern. The results were adjusted for age, BMI, smoking and duration of fertility. Increased consumption of mixed dietary pattern was not statistically significant associated with any of examined ovarian reserve parameters., Conclusions: The prudent dietary pattern is positively associated with ovarian reserve in a cohort of women seeking fertility care. Continued research in this area will provide nutritional guidance for clinicians and their patients and provide novel insight on potential modifiable lifestyle factors which can be associated with ovarian reserve. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2024;37(4):411-20., (This work is available in Open Access model and licensed under a CC BY-NC 3.0 PL license.)

Objectives: The circadian system is the main regulator of almost all human physiological processes. The aim of this study was to assess sleep in the working population, in relation to the share of remote working., Material and Methods: An online survey was conducted among students and staff representing 3 universities in Łódź, Poland (N = 1209). The participants were divided into 3 groups according to the percentage of time they worked remotely. Group I consisted of respondents performing tasks remotely for ≤45% of their working time; group II included respondents performing their duties remotely for >45-75% of their working time, and group III included those working >75% of their time remotely., Results: performing their duties remotely for >45-75% of their working time, and group III included those working >75% of their time remotely. Results: In the study, the authors found the association between the length of time spent on a computer, the percentage of time working remotely, and the occurrence of physical symptoms and the prevalence of sleep disorders. The most significant difference between working days and days off in terms of the mid-point of sleep (1.5 h) was observed in group I, where there was the greatest variability in the form of work performance. The participants who worked most of their time remotely (group III) shifted their bedtime to midnight, both on working days and on days off., Conclusions: The study highlights that increased remote computer use leads to a shift in sleeping patterns towards midnight. The participants with later midpoint of sleep hours were found to have a higher incidence of sleep disorders. The prevalence of sleep disorders was significantly impacted by prolonged mobile phone use before bedtime and long hours of computer use. Thus, limiting both the time spent in front of a computer and the use of mobile phones before bedtime is recommended. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2024;37(1):34-44., (This work is available in Open Access model and licensed under a CC BY-NC 3.0 PL license.)

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate whether environmental exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was associated with sperm aneuploidy. A sample of 181 men who attended an infertility clinic for diagnostic purposes and who had a normal semen concentration of 20-300×106 spermatozoa mL-1 or slight oligozoospermia (semen concentration of 15-20×106 spermatozoa mL-1;

A number of chemicals have been shown to demonstrate neurotoxic effects either in human or laboratory animal studies. This article aims at evaluating the impact of exposure to several chemicals including: organophosphate, organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), mercury and lead on the neurodevelopment of children by reviewing the most recent published literature, and answer the question whether any progress has been made in the epidemiology of the neurodevelopment of children induced by exposure to those chemicals. The result of the presented studies show that exposure to the above-mentioned chemicals may impair the neurodevelopment of children. Neonates exposed to organophosphate pesticides demonstrated a higher proportion of abnormal reflexes, and young children had more attention problems. Exposure to organochlorine pesticides in children was associated with alertness, quality of alert responsiveness, cost of attention and other potential attention associated measures. The majority of studies indicate the negative impact of lead exposure at the level <10 µg/dl or even <5 µg/dl on the neurodevelopment of children. The results of studies on exposure to PCBs, mercury, and their effect on neurodevelopment are inconsistent. Some suggest that prenatal exposure to PCBs and mercury is related to performance impairments, attention and concentration problems, while other do not present any statistically significant association. The studies were mostly well designed, using prospective cohorts with the exposure assessment based on the biomarker of exposure. Concerning the covariates and confounders affecting the endpoints in most of the presented studies, confounders were included in data analysis. In order to recognize the early cognitive, motor and language outcomes of chemical exposures, well standardized tools were used for evaluating the neurodevelopmental effects and offer an early and fairly comprehensive measure of child development. Because the neurotoxicants may cross the placenta and the fetal brain, exposure consideration regarding the reduction of exposure to those chemicals should be implemented.

The purpose of the study was to assess the environmental exposure to 2 commonly used pesticides: 2-methyl-4- chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) among spouses of farmers, not directly involved in the process of spraying. Exposure to 63 sprayings 24 women in households from the rural area of the Łódż Voivodeship in Poland was assessed. The women were asked to collect 3 biological urine samples: in the morning before spraying (sample A), in the evening after spraying (sample B), and on the morning of the next day (sample C). The determination of pesticides in urine was performed by high performance liquid chromatography, coupled with tandem mass spectrometry and negative electrospray (LC-MS/MS-ESI-). In the case of both active ingredient, the number of urine samples with the level of pesticides above limit of detection (LOD) increased from 30% in samples A to 45% in samples B and C. The average levels of herbicides increased from sample A (2.8 ng/g creatinine) to sample B (6.0 ng/g creatinine). The mean value of the C sample was 4.0 ng/g creatinine. Similar results were obtained when the average was calculated for all measurements, including those below LOD. The outdoor activity of the women during spraying was statistically significant (p=0.023), a predictor of exposure in multivariate analyses. The presented study indicates that farmers' spouses might be exposed to pesticides, even if they do not take part in the spraying.

Background: Pesticides are widely used in agriculture for the crop protection. Despite advanced mechanization of the agricultural production, the population's exposure to these chemicals is still significant. The objective of the study was to evaluate farmers' occupational exposure to two most frequently used pesticides: MCPA and 2,4-D., Material and Methods: Pesticide exposure was assessed in 24 farmers, living in the Łódź voivodeship agriculture area, for 71 sprayings performed on their arable areas. The exposure assessment methods were used to estimate workers' exposure to selected pesticides (MCPA and 2,4-D). The analysis covered the biological material (urine) collected on the day of pesticides spraying: in the morning before spraying (Sample A), in the evening after spraying (Sample B) and on the next day (Sample C)., Results: The level of pesticides found in farmers' urine was growing from sample A to sample C. The highest level of pesticides was found in sample C and the lowest in sample A. The predictors of the pesticide level were: sample collection time (urine concentration of pesticides in sample C compared with sample B) (p = 0.002), concentration of pesticides in sample A (p = 0.012) and the amount of products used during spraying (p = 0.021). 'The use of protective equipment was at the border of statistical significance (p = 0.059). The differences in exposure between farmers can be only partly explained by the analyzed exposure predictors., Conclusions: The study not only confirmed the presence of occupational exposure but also showed the level of exposure among farmers under study. This is very important because in Poland the level of exposure among farmers is unknown and studies using the biological monitoring are very rare.

Background: Stress is one of the most important health and social problems. Psychological stress has long been suspected of having an important impact on infertility. Studies on the effects of psychological stress on male fertility, especially the semen quality, have so far yielded equivocal findings., Materials and Methods: The study population consisted of 179 men who had reported to the infertility clinic for diagnostic purposes, some of them with normal fertility (semen total concentration of 15-300 mln/ml) or with slight oligozoospermia (semen total concentration of 10-15 mln/ml). The semen samples were analyzed in one laboratory according to the WHO manual on basic semen analysis. The main semen parameters were assessed: volume, motility, percent of atypical and progressive spermatozoa. To assess the occupational stress the Subjective Work Characteristics Questionnaire was used. Assessing the level of stress we concentrated on the sum of points obtained by each man taking part in the study and the number of psychosocial factors present at work reported by the subjects., Results: Measuring the level of stress by the Subjective Work Characteristics Questionnaire, we revealed negative effects of a number of stressful situations at work, which affect semen volume and percent of progressive spermatozoa, taking account of confounding factors that can have impact on the semen quality and thus affect fertility, such as duration of the couple's infertility, past sexual abstinence and diseases., Conclusion: The study confirm that the occupational stress can affect the male semen quality, however, due to the limited data on this issue, the obtained results must be confirmed by more extensive, longitudinal studies.

Background: There are two major potential hazards typical of work in greenhouses: hard physical work or exposure to pesticides. The aim of the study was to investigate whether the work in greenhouse during pregnancy have an adverse effect on its outcome (preterm delivery, spontaneous abortion and birth defects)., Materials and Methods: The study was performed in a group of 460 women employed in 14 greenhouses involved in growing vegetables and flowers., Results: The rate of spontaneous abortions was much elbeit insignificantly higher in the women working in greenhouses during pregnancy than in those employed out of them; that applied mostly to the women performing light jobs in greenhouses. An increased risk of preterm delivery and spontaneous abortion was also observed in women performing greenhouse light jobs. No significantly increased risk of birth defects was observed in children born to women working in greenhouses. Neither was there any relationship between exposure to RD or ED pesticides exposure--and the occurrence of preterm delivery, spontaneous abortion and birth defects., Conclusions: No higher risk of pathological pregnancy that could be associated with hard physical work and pesticide exposure was observed. This may result from the fact that women themselves select an appropriate kind of job during pregnancy and a possible removal of women with pathological pregnancy from jobs involving pesticide exposure, as well as from the promotion of biological protection. The greenhouse workers should be aware of the two typical hazards found in greenhouses (hard work and exposure to pesticides) and their potential negative effects on the reproduction. The results of this study warrant the need for further study of the effect of pesticide exposure and work load on the pregnancy outcome.

Background: The work in greenhouses might involve indirect exposure to pesticides, resulting from the contact with previously pesticide-treated flowers and vegetables. The objective of the study was to assess the exposure to selected pesticides of workers tending and harvesting greenhouse cultivations after the restricted-entry intervals expired using cotton patches., Material and Methods: Pesticide exposure was assessed among women (n=19) tending and harvesting vegetables in one of the vegetable production greenhouse in Poland. The exposure assessment methods were used to estimate workers' exposure to selected pesticides (hexythiazoks, azoksystrobin, imazalil) after the restricted-entry intervals expired. Cotton gloves and patches on chest and arms were used during the whole workshift in the greenhouse., Results: All the three kinds of pesticides were found on cotton patches and gloves. The concentration of the examined active ingredients was higher on gloves than on patches. Their concentration on patches and gloves between sprayings was proportional to the concentration of active ingredients used during sprayings., Conclusion: Dermal exposure of women to pesticides during work in a greenhouse takes place even when employees are not directly engaged in the process of spraying. Therefore, it is nececarry to ensure that this occupational group is provided with the efficient personal protective equipment.

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.

The aim of the study was to analyze the active smoking by pregnant women in different weeks of pregnancy. The study population consisted of 136 women before 22 weeks of pregnancy. The women were interviewed three times during pregnancy. From all women included into the study the saliva sample was collected three times to verified smoking status in pregnancy. Cotinine level in saliva was analyzes using Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry. Based on interview about 25-30% of pregnant women smoked cigarettes during pregnancy. This percentage was higher when the smoking status was verified using cotinine level in saliva (33-41%). In the group of pregnant women who smoked cigarettes there was no decreasing trend in cotinine level during pregnancy whereas in nonsmokers the decreasing trend was observed. Unmarried women, those with lover educational level, and unemployed had the highest risk of smoking during pregnancy.

Objectives: Maternal work during pregnancy, especially with high work-related physical exertion, is still considered one of the most prevalent risk factors of negative pregnancy outcome., Materials and Methods: Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine has recently completed a study of women working in polish greenhouses. The greenhouse is a very good environment to measure the energy expenditure during work. That's why the women working for a period of at least 2 years in greenhouses in Poland were asked to participate in the project. We classified pregnancies of women on the basis of energy expenditure during mother's work into three groups: light work (200-700 kcal/shift); moderate work (701-1000 kcal/shift); and heavy work (1001-1200 kcal/shift)., Results: The study among women working in greenhouse revealed that the mean birth weight of infants whose mothers worked in greenhouse with heavy wok (work expenditure >1000 kcal/shift) during pregnancy was 177 g. lower, than that of those whose mothers worked out of greenhouse with light work (light work <700 kcal/shift) (p=0.05)., Conclusions: The results suggest the necessity to inform pregnant women about the potential negative influence of heavy work on pregnancy outcome.

Background: Pesticides have been used since the early days of modern agriculture. They are biologically active compounds that may pose a grave risk to health during or after their use. The available data, documenting pesticide exposures and related health effects in farmers, especially in pregnant women, are limited., Materials and Methods: Women were informed that the purpose of the research was to gather information about the exposure to pesticides during pregnancy. They were asked to provide information about their work in the field, spraying or preparatory work (washing clothes after spraying, cleaning, spraying equipment, preparing mixture for spraying). We received information about all spraying in household during woman's pregnancy, trade names of pesticides, names of active ingredients, type of cultivation and its area., Results: The survey of pregnant women working in agriculture provided us with knowledge of potential hazards resulting from their work during pregnancy, especially from their involvement in spraying or preparatory work and working in the field after spraying. Other data obtained informed us what kind of pesticides were used in agriculture., Conclusions: The results indicate the necessity for increasing awareness of potential exposure to pesticides and their harmful effect among workers, especially among pregnant women. There is also a need to estimate real exposure via biological monitoring.

Among numerous factors typical of occupations in agriculture, pesticides occupy a specific place. Their hazardous effects may be manifested among others by reproductive disorders. Therefore, it is very important to know what kind of pesticides is used in both agriculture and greenhouses. The aim of the study was to review the kinds and amounts of pesticides used in agriculture and greenhouses. The review was performed in the Kujawsko-pomorskie voivoship and on 14 horticulture farms. Their selection was based on the register of the Polish Horticulture Chamber. The pesticides were classified into two groups: those containing reproductive and/or developmental toxins (RD) and those acting as endocrine disrupters (ED). The majority of pesticides used in agriculture and horticulture belong to one of those groups. The results of the review suggest that the awareness of potential adverse effects of pesticides on fertility and pregnancy outcome should be increased among workers occupationally exposed to pesticides.