Long-Evans rats, 4-6 weeks of age, were given access to 0, 1, 10, or 100 ppm sodium chlorite in deionized water ad libitum as drinking water. Males were evaluated for sperm parameters and reproductive tract histopathology following the breeding. Females were exposed throughout gestation and lactation. Dams and pups were necropsied at weaning. Groups of males were exposed to 0, 10, 100, or 500 ppm ad libitum in the drinking water to confirm observed subtle reproductive effects and examine dose-effect relationships. Increases in the percent abnormal sperm morphology and decreases in sperm direct progressive movement were observed for adult males at chlorite levels of 100 ppm or 500 ppm. (Copyright (c) 1987 by Academic Press, Inc.)