Hazard Statements (H Phrases) and Reproductive Toxins: How They Affect Fertility and Pregnancy

What are Hazard Statements (H Phrases) and why should you know them if you want to become a parent?

Hazard Statements (H Phrases) are danger warnings that appear on the labeling of chemical products. Their purpose is to inform about the specific risks that these substances may pose to health, including fertility and pregnancy.

Knowing them is very important if you are trying to conceive or are already pregnant, as some everyday products contain reprotoxic substances (toxic to reproduction) that can affect both female and male fertility. They also have consequences on fetal development or even during breastfeeding.

Reproductive toxins: how they affect your fertility

Exposure to toxic substances can cause oxidative stress, DNA damage in reproductive cells, and hormonal disruptions that reduce the chances of conception. These effects depend on factors such as dosage, duration, and timing of exposure.

Substances that harm female fertility

In women, different chemicals and toxic habits are linked to:

• Tobacco: accelerates ovocyte destruction, reduces ovarian reserve, and increases the risk of implantation failure and miscarriage.
• Alcohol: even without a clear dose-effect relationship, it has been shown to impair female fertility.
• Endocrine disruptors: such as phthalates, organochlorine pesticides, or bisphenol A, which interfere with ovarian function, ovulation, and are associated with problems like endometriosis or uterine abnormalities.

Substances that harm male fertility

In men, some toxins reduce sperm quality and directly affect sperm concentration, motility, and morphology:

• Excessive tobacco and alcohol.
• Cannabis, cocaine, and other illicit drugs, which lower sperm count and increase the risk of spontaneous miscarriage in the partner.
• Heavy metals such as lead or cadmium, linked to altered spermatogenesis and testicular cancer.
• Pesticides and organic solvents, associated with reduced sperm motility and infertility risk.

Risks during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Toxins not only affect conception but can also have serious consequences during pregnancy:

• Miscarriages and premature births.
• Foetal malformations.
• Low birth weight and intrauterine growth restriction.
• Cognitive and intellectual development problems in children.
• Persistent substances like dioxins, which accumulate in body fat and can pass into breast milk.

Specific Hazard Statements related to reproductive toxicity

The main Hazard Statements (H Phrases) to know regarding reproductive hazard indicators are:

• H360: May damage fertility or the unborn child. Applies to substances with clear evidence of reproductive toxicity. Examples: lead, phthalates, or certain pesticides.
• H361: Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child. Includes substances with well-founded but unconfirmed suspicion. Examples: organic solvents and bisphenol A.
• H362: May cause harm to breast-fed children. Refers to substances that pass into breast milk and put the baby at risk, such as some fat-persistent compounds (e.g., dioxins).

Where can these Hazard Statements appear?

These warnings are shown on the labels of chemical products, accompanied by a reproductive toxicity pictogram (a symbol with a silhouette of a pregnant woman and an asterisk on the belly).

They can be found in:

• Household products: pesticides, cleaning products, cosmetics, plastics.
• Workplace environments: jobs with exposure to chemical, physical, or biological agents that may be hazardous to male and female fertility.
• General environment: air, water, soil, and food, since hundreds of new chemicals are introduced every year without sufficient safety studies.

Specific recommendations for pregnant women and people of reproductive age

• Always read the labels of cleaning, cosmetic, or DIY products and avoid those including Hazard Statements related to reproduction.
• Minimize exposure to reprotoxics in the workplace by following recommended safety measures.
• Maintain healthy habits and avoid tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.
• Consult reliable sources about endocrine disruptors in fertility to stay informed and reduce risks.

The role of the fertility clinic

Prevention is just as important as treatment. At Instituto Bernabeu we not only offer advanced techniques to improve the chances of pregnancy, but also comprehensive support including detecting environmental factors and toxic habits that may be interfering with conception.

If you suffer from recurrent miscarriages, hormonal disorders, or suspect that your work or home environment may be affecting your fertility, our specialized team can help you with a personalized approach. In addition, having an endocrinology specialist in fertility allows us to address both medical and environmental aspects, offering a prevention and treatment plan tailored to each individual.