Previously, we introduced you to “plasticizers” as environmental endocrine disruptors. Today we will continue to take you to understand the impact of plasticizers on reproductive health, and we can take countermeasures. 1, plasticizers on reproduction and developmental effects As plasticizers are ubiquitous in our daily lives, so they cause harm to the human body is also hidden and long, this harm is mainly reflected in reproductive and developmental toxicity. A large number of studies have been conducted on the male reproductive toxicity of plasticizers, and more consistent conclusions have been reached. Toxicological studies have shown that phthalate plasticizers have anti-androgenic effects and can damage spermatogenic cells, leading to spermatogenic dysfunction and decreased levels of synthetic testosterone in male rats. The “o-xylenolate syndrome” refers specifically to the symptoms of reproductive malformations and residual papillae in male rodents after phthalate poisoning. Although population epidemiological studies are inconsistent, there is substantial evidence that phthalate exposure is associated with decreased semen concentration and quality, and sperm DNA damage in males. Because of differences in physiological characteristics and lifestyle habits (e.g., women use cosmetics and personal care products more frequently), the female population may have a higher exposure to phthalates than men. Studies have found that women of childbearing age have higher levels of DBP metabolites in their urine than men and women of other ages. Recently, a large body of toxicological evidence suggests that the ovary is the target of phthalates and that phthalates exert reproductive toxicity by interfering with normal ovarian physiological function. Phthalate exposure can affect several important aspects of folliculogenesis, estrogen and progesterone synthesis, oocyte maturation and embryonic development, thus causing decreased fertility. Phthalates are able to induce premature ovarian failure by accelerating the recruitment of initiating follicles leading to follicular pool depletion. Exposure of oocytes to DEHP can result in abnormal spindle function, leading to the production of aneuploidy, which in turn causes miscarriage and congenital defects.DEHP adversely affects egg and embryo development by interfering with oocyte meiosis. Phthalates can reach the offspring through the placenta and breast milk, and can also act directly on the fetus, causing developmental toxicity to the offspring. Exposure of pregnant women to phthalates may result in embryonic malformations, fetal growth retardation, and increased spontaneous abortion rates. Although epidemiological data on phthalate exposure in the female population are currently inadequate, there is a worldwide consensus to stay away from and discard phthalate plasticizers. In particular, patients with unexplained infertility, premature ovarian failure, recurrent miscarriage, and poor semen quality in the male partner should avoid plasticizer intake. 2, countermeasures The vast majority of plasticizers will be excreted in urine or feces within 24 to 48 hours, as long as the intake of plasticizers is stopped, the level of plasticizers in the body will drop rapidly. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid contact with substances containing plasticizers and reduce the intake of plasticizers in daily life within your control. The most common exposure to plasticizers is through ingestion of food into the body. We can reduce the intake of plasticizers by changing our lifestyles and habits. For example, when choosing food containers, plastic containers should be avoided in favor of high-quality stainless steel, glass, and ceramic ware. For example, oil bottles do not use plastic, soak instant noodles instead of porcelain bowls, do not use plastic dishes and chopsticks, plastic bottles for drinks and so on. Try to avoid prolonged contact or immersion of food and plastic containers to reduce the chance of plasticizer leaching. For example, the preservation of food often used to the cling film should choose completely non-plasticizer added PE, PVDC material, and try to avoid high-temperature heating. If you need to heat the ingredients wrapped in plastic wrap, you can poke several small holes in the wrap to allow the gas to escape; you should also avoid direct contact with the food when wrapping. In addition to food sources, the toiletries and cosmetics we use in our daily lives are also an important source of plasticizers. Therefore, in the preparation for pregnancy to breastfeeding should be used as little as possible skin care products, do not use cosmetics, perfume, nail polish, hair spray, etc., do not dye your hair, do not perm, to avoid plasticizer through skin contact into the body.