Chemicals in Paint May Cause Fertility Problems in Men
Posted on: Friday, 23 May 2008, 15:20 CDT
A British study suggests that men routinely exposed to chemicals found in paint may be more likely to experience fertility problems.The research found that men, such as painters and decorators, who work with glycol solvents are two-and-a-half times more likely to produce lower levels of "normal" sperm.
The study, a joint research project between the Universities of Manchester and Sheffield, examined more than 2,000 men attending 14 fertility clinics. The research found identified a wide variety of other chemicals that did not impact fertility.
In the study, the scientists examined two groups of men attending fertility clinics --those with sperm motility problems, and those without them. There had been previous concerns that exposure to many workplace chemicals might affect a man's fertility, of which sperm motility is a critical variable.
The men were surveyed about their lifestyles, occupations and potential exposure to chemicals . The researchers found a 250% increase in risk of sperm motility issues among the men exposed to glycol ethers, chemicals widely used as solvents in water-based paints. This risk existed even after considering other lifestyle factors, such as smoking, testicular surgery, wearing tight underpants and manual work.
"We know that certain glycol ethers can affect male fertility and the use of these has reduced over the past two decades,” Dr Andy Povey of University of Manchester told BBC News.
"However, our work suggests they are still a workplace hazard and further work is needed to reduce such exposure," he said.
However, the study found that this was the only chemical linked to fertility problems in men, which should put men’s minds at ease, said Dr Allan Pacey, a Sheffield University fertility specialist.
"Infertile men are often concerned about whether chemicals they are exposed to in the workplace are harming their fertility,” he told BBC News.
"Therefore it is reassuring to know that on the whole, the risk seems to be quite low."
---
On the Net:
Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Health and Safety Executive
British Fertility Society
Source: redOrbit Staff and Wire Reports
Seabird Droppings Raising Arctic Chemical Levels: Study
Study: Sperm Banks Unpopular With Patients
Bomb Unit Investigates Chemical Found on Man Near UA
Water Safety Near DuPont Discussed / State Tries to Ease Fear About Chemical Found in Chesterfield Area
Industrial Chemical Found in New York Drinking Water
Non-Stick Sneezes ; Chemical Found in Teflon is Linked to Higher Risk of Allergic Reaction
Ont. Considers Becoming First Province to Ban Chemical Found in Baby Bottles
Toxic Chemicals Found In Common Household Products
Higher Level of Flame-Retardant Chemical Found in Californians' Blood
Rating: 2.5 / 5 (4 votes)
 |
 |
Rate this article:
User Comments (0)
RSS Feeds