Disinfection by-products (DBPs) are compounds generated by chemical reactions between disinfectants and chemical substances in the water during the process of drinking water treatment. More than 700 kinds of DBPs have been identified, the most abundant components are trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids. The safety of DBPs has attracted widespread attention. At present, studies have confirmed that DBPs have cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity and developmental toxicity. In recent years, the damage of DBPs to reproductive function has been an increasing concern. This article reviewed the research progress on the effects of DBPs exposure on adult reproductive function based on toxicological and epidemiological studies, and discussed the future research direction.

Disinfection by-products (DBPs) are compounds generated by chemical reactions between disinfectants and chemical substances in the water during the process of drinking water treatment. More than 700 kinds of DBPs have been identified, the most abundant components are trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids. The safety of DBPs has attracted widespread attention. At present, studies have confirmed that DBPs have cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity and developmental toxicity. In recent years, the damage of DBPs to reproductive function has been an increasing concern. This article reviewed the research progress on the effects of DBPs exposure on adult reproductive function based on toxicological and epidemiological studies, and discussed the future research direction.