Reversibility of Effects: Overview and Reproductive Systems

Abstract

Recovery from adverse noncancer health effects may occur in some circumstances after cessation of exposure or after adaptation to continuing low-dose exposure. In this overview, factors that influence the reversibility of toxic effects of environmental chemicals are presented, using examples derived from toxicity to the reproductive system. Aspects that must be considered include exposure scenario, stage of the life cycle at which exposure occurs, and the nature of the toxicity. Selected categories of reproductive effects are considered briefly with respect to potential for recovery. Finally, the incorporation of reversibility into risk assessments is discussed