Environment and the genitourinary tract

A variety of environmental factors have been associated with conditions that affect the genitourinary system. Chronic lead exposure and halogenated hydrocarbons have been found to affect sperm production and fertility. Heavy metals such as mercury and cadmium have been associated with renal tubular toxicity and kidney failure. Aromatic amines, used in a number of industrial processes and most commonly found in the dye industry, have been associated with development of bladder cancer. The same substances that are metabolites in cigarette smoke have been found to explain the strong association between bladder cancer and cigarette smoking. Chlorination and fluoridation have recently been associated with bladder cancer. In each of these associations, host factors may contribute to the toxicity of these substances either by detoxifying them or by converting them to more active agents. Education and regulation are needed to decrease the environmental risk they create.