The Effects of Arsenic on the Reproductive System

Arsenic is a steel-gray, metal-like element that is present in the environment. When combined with the other elements such oxygen, sulphur and chlorine, it becomes inorganic in form. Inorganic arsenic poison, when consumed or ingested in large quantities, is a known cause for cancer. Arsenic is a toxic metal which, when taken in high dosages, can have an effect on the reproductive system.

Infertility

• Infertility is the inability of producing offspring. Reproductive problems are already rampant because of the exposure with toxic chemicals and heavy metals. Arsenic exposure or intake may cause reduced fertility or even infertility among women. For males, metals like arsenic can interfere with the components of semen and alteration of sperm count. Male rats exposed with arsenic shown steroidegenic dysfunction that can lead to infertility due to inactivation of sperm. A study by the U.S. National Library of Medicine states that in Mexico, chronic arsenic poisoning contributed to male infertility.

Interrupted Pregnancy

• Interrupted pregnancy is another adverse effect with excessive arsenic exposure. Arsenic water contamination is a threat to a safe and healthy pregnancy. A study done on pregnant mice by the Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Center for Environmental Health Sciences at the University of Montana showed that arsenic exposure caused spontaneous abortion. The experiment revealed an abnormality in the circulatory system of the placenta. Another study done by the National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine in Bangladesh proved that pregnant women exposed to drinking water contaminated with arsenic suffered from interrupted pregnancy.

Fetal Death

• Drinking arsenic contaminated water has also shown adverse effects in child development and child health. There were studies conducted by the University of California's School of Public Health regarding the effects of drinking water with arsenic and chromium. The results showed that there are limited risks regarding fetal death caused by water contaminated with arsenic. However, it still showed that there were cases of fetal death due to higher quantities of water arsenic concentrations. It is still important to note that potable drinking water, free from chemicals and toxins, is important to health and life.

Reduced Birth Weight and Infant Mortality

• Pregnant women who consume water with arsenic may have problems during their pregnancy. Should the mother survive the pregnancy without any harmful effects felt, her child might not be as lucky. There are studies that show mothers who drank arsenic contaminated water gave birth to infants with reduced birth weight, or who died shortly after giving birth. An article from the American Journal of Epidemiology stated that the effects noted in the infant who has lower birth weight were during the prenatal period, and not after the infant was born.