Even low exposures can cause mutations. Commonly results in spontaneous abortion of pregnancy and birth defects that can be passed on from generation to generation . Most mutagens are known from animal studies only. Respiratory hazards are particularly dangerous because a pregnant woman's metabolism differs from normal. Tertogens can cause severe birth defects and frequent miscarriages .
Some carcinogens can cause cancer in the children of women exposed during pregnancy.
Women may experience menstrual disorders . Men may develop testes and prostate cancer . Lead may cause menstrual disorders, loss of sex drive, atrophy of the testes, possible sperm alterations, decrease in fertility, and mutation. Carbon disulfide affects both male and female reproductive systems. Xylol and tulol cause menstrual disorders .