Metal pollution in soil and coastal water has been reported in many parts of India. Of particular importance, all types of natural waters sources like river, lakes, ground water and sea as well as the atmosphere (rain and snow) for transfer of metals through the environment. Only a few metals are completely non-toxic at any level. Perhaps the most important feature distinguishing metals from other toxic pollutants is that metals are not biodegradable. The toxicity of heavy metals is manifest in different ways. The literature suggests a need for further research in those chemicals that are reactive and capable of covalent interactions in biological systems, as well as those defined as mutagens and/or carcinogens, to cause aneuploidy or other chromosomal aberrations, affect sperm motility in vitro, share hormonal activity or affect hormone action, and those that act directly or indirectly to affect the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis. This review attempts to cover most of the known toxicants and their effects on male fertility. Some agents discussed in this review are well known to have potential toxic effects on the male reproductive system, whereas some are not so well established in toxicology. Though males lack an apparent, easily measurable reproductive cycle, progress has been made in evaluating tests to identify chemical hazards and estimate reproductive health risks. This review summarizes the effects of more than 20 metals that, research has indicated, may influence male reproductive health.
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