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Li J, Zhou L, Huang S, Duan T, Xie J, Li X, Deng L, Zeng C, Jing F, Zhu S, Liu C, Gong Y, Shu Y, Shen X, Yang P. The effect of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in follicular fluid: The insights from oocyte to fertilization. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 191:108957. [PMID: 39153387 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) exhibited the detriment in female reproductive health. Our objective was to investigate the individual and mixture effects of EDCs present in follicular fluid, the environment in which oocytes grow and develop, on early reproductive outcomes. We recruited 188 women seeking reproduction examination from the Study of Exposure and Reproductive Health (SEARCH) cohort between December 2020 and November 2021. We assessed the concentrations of 7 categories of 64 EDCs in follicular fluid, and measured early reproductive outcomes, including retrieved oocytes, mature oocytes, normal fertilized oocytes, and high-quality embryos. In this study Monomethyl phthalate (MMP) (2.17 ng/ml) were the compounds found in the highest median concentrations in follicular fluid. After adjusting for multiple testing, multivariate regression showed that multiple EDCs were significantly negatively associated with early assisted reproduction outcomes. For example, MMP showed a significant negative correlation with the number of high quality embryos (β: -0.1, 95 % CI: -0.15, -0.04). Specifically, eight types of EDCs were significantly negatively associated with four early assisted reproductive outcomes (β range: -0.2 ∼ -0.03). In the mixed exposure model, we found that mixtures of EDC were significantly negatively correlated with all four outcomes. In the quantile g-computation (QGCOMP) model, for each interquartile range increase in the concentration of EDC mixtures, the number of oocytes retrieved, mature oocytes, normally fertilized oocytes, and high-quality embryos decreased by 0.46, 0.52, 0.77, and 1.2, respectively. Moreover, we identified that phthalates (PAEs) predominantly contributed to the negative effects. Future research should validate our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiehao Li
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; China Greater Bay Area Research Center of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lixin Zhou
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; China Greater Bay Area Research Center of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Songyi Huang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; China Greater Bay Area Research Center of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tiantian Duan
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; China Greater Bay Area Research Center of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinying Xie
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; China Greater Bay Area Research Center of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojie Li
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; China Greater Bay Area Research Center of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Langjing Deng
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; China Greater Bay Area Research Center of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chenyan Zeng
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; China Greater Bay Area Research Center of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fengrui Jing
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; China Greater Bay Area Research Center of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sui Zhu
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; China Greater Bay Area Research Center of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chaoqun Liu
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; China Greater Bay Area Research Center of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yajie Gong
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaqing Shu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xiaoting Shen
- Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Guangzhou, China.
| | - Pan Yang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; China Greater Bay Area Research Center of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; College of Environment and Climate, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control (Jinan University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.
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Kim K, Sung HK, Lee K, Park SK. Semiconductor Work, Leukemia, and Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14733. [PMID: 36429453 PMCID: PMC9690168 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192214733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the development of the semiconductor industry over the past 60 years, various occupational diseases have been reported to coincide with rapid industrial growth. Among these occupational diseases, the association between semiconductor work and cancers, including leukemia, remains controversial. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis assesses the associations between semiconductor work, leukemia, and cancer risk. METHODS The core research databases, including PubMed, were screened for studies published until 31 July 2022. All eligible studies assessed cancer risk among workers in the semiconductor industry. RESULTS Nine studies were selected after a literature review. The employment period of semiconductor workers in each study was between 1965 and 2009. Semiconductor work was not significantly associated with the risk of leukemia (Relative Risk [RR], 1.02; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 0.74-1.41) or cancer (RR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.93-1.07). CONCLUSION In this meta-analysis, semiconductor work was not significantly associated with leukemia or cancer risk. Internal comparisons, such as non-fab workers, quality of the study, employment period, and healthy worker effect, should be considered for interpretation. Furthermore, a prospective cohort study based on overall semiconductor workers in the industry could be useful to assess occupational disease risk as a mandatory component of health assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungsik Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Daehak-ro 101, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University Graduate School, Daehak-ro 101, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Daehak-ro 101, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Ho Kyung Sung
- Institute for Public Healthcare, National Medical Center, Eulji-ro 245, Jung-gu, Seoul 04564, Korea
- National Emergency Medical Center, National Medical Center, Eulji-ro 245, Jung-gu, Seoul 04564, Korea
| | - Kwan Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Gyeongju 38066, Korea
| | - Sue K. Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Daehak-ro 101, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Daehak-ro 101, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Integrated Major in Innovative Medical Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Daehak-ro 101, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Korea
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Miao Y, Li X, Shi X, Gao Q, Chen J, Wang R, Fan Y, Xiong B. Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Restores the Meiotic Competency of Porcine Oocytes Exposed to Ethylene Glycol Butyl Ether. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:628580. [PMID: 33604339 PMCID: PMC7884640 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.628580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Ethylene glycol butyl ether (EGBE), a type of glycol ethers, is a common chemical used in both industrial and household products. Increasing animal studies have indicated that it produces reproductive problems, such as testicular damage, reduced female fertility, death of embryos, and birth defects. However, how it influences the female germ cells has not yet determined. Here, we found that EGBE exposure resulted in the defective porcine oocyte maturation via disruption of cytoskeleton dynamics, showing the abnormal spindle assembly, chromosome alignment, and actin organization. Meanwhile, EGBE exposure perturbed the mitochondrial distribution and function, leading to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and generation of DNA damage and apoptosis. Of note, nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation rescued the meiotic defects caused by EGBE exposure via restoring NAD+ level and mitochondrial function and thus eliminating the excessive ROS. Taken together, our observations illustrate that NMN supplementation is an effective strategy to protect oocyte quality against environmental pollutant-induced deterioration, contributing to improve the animal and human fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilong Miao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Gao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingyue Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Fan
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Xiong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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Choi KH, Kim H, Kim MH, Kwon HJ. Semiconductor Work and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Associated with Male Workers: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Ann Work Expo Health 2020; 63:870-880. [PMID: 31421636 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxz061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A hazardous work environment in semiconductor factories is a threat to the workers' health. Semiconductor manufacturing characteristically requires young workers, and reproductive toxicity is an important issue. Studies investigating reproductive toxicity among individuals working in the semiconductor manufacturing industry have primarily focused on outcomes in women. Information on the reproductive health of male semiconductor factory workers is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the association between workplace exposures among male workers in a Korean semiconductor company and adverse pregnancy outcomes. METHODS Based on the data from the 2015 Semiconductor Health Survey (SHS), which evaluated the workplace exposures, pregnancy outcomes, and general health of 21 969 employees of the semiconductor industry in South Korea, we included 3868 male workers with 7504 pregnancy outcomes identified by self-reports for this retrospective cohort study. Data regarding the pregnancy outcomes, order of pregnancy, and the years of the outcomes were collected via the SHS questionnaire. Adverse pregnancy outcomes were defined as preterm labor, spontaneous abortion, and stillbirth. Workplace exposures were classified as fabrication, assembly, others, lab, and office work (reference group). A generalized estimating equations model including repeated events of individuals and producing relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to estimate the association between workplace exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Analyses were adjusted for work location, spouse's employment in semiconductor production work, educational level, marital status, risky alcohol drinking, smoking status, body mass index, order of pregnancy, and age and year of pregnancy outcome, which were based on a priori decisions. RESULTS The adjusted risk for adverse outcomes was higher [RR (95% CI): 1.47 (1.04, 2.07)] among assembly process workers compared with the office workers. Adjusted risks for adverse outcomes among workers in assembly and fabrication, whose spouses also worked in semiconductor production, were 1.60 (95% CI: 1.04, 2.46) and 1.74 (95% CI: 1.18, 2.57) times higher, respectively, compared with the office workers with spouses not working in semiconductor production. CONCLUSIONS Based on these findings, semiconductor work might be considered a risk factor for reproductive toxicity among male workers, especially for those whose spouses have the same job.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Hwa Choi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan, Chungnam, Korea
| | - Hyunjoo Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | | | - Ho-Jang Kwon
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan, Chungnam, Korea
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Kim K, Sung HK, Lee K, Park SK. Semiconductor Work and the Risk of Spontaneous Abortion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16234626. [PMID: 31766392 PMCID: PMC6926641 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16234626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: In the semiconductor industry, female workers were identified as having an increased risk of spontaneous abortion (SA). To date, the association between semiconductor work and SA is controversial. We aimed to assess the association between semiconductor work and specific processes and SA, in the semiconductor industry. (2) Methods: A literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, and other core databases, from the date of inception of these databases to 31 July 2019. Studies that identified SA risk in female workers in the semiconductor industry were included. (3) Results: We identified 529 studies, of which six studies were included in the meta-analysis. During 1980–1993, the risk of SA in fabrication (Fab) workers was significantly higher than non-Fab workers (RR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.05–1.57). Photolithography workers had a higher SA risk than non-process and office workers (RR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.13–1.77). (4) Conclusion: Meta-analysis indicates a statistically significant association between Fab-work and SA. Specific process and chemical exposure meta-analyses need to be interpreted carefully considering bias. Because of the rapid change in the semiconductor industry, it is necessary to conduct an elaborate cohort study taking into consideration the current working environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungsik Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea;
- Department of Biomedical Science, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Ho Kyung Sung
- National Emergency Medical Center, National Medical Center, Seoul 04564, Korea;
| | - Kwan Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Gyeongju 38066, Korea;
| | - Sue K. Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea;
- Department of Biomedical Science, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-740-8338; Fax: +82-2-747-4830
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Ma Y, He X, Qi K, Wang T, Qi Y, Cui L, Wang F, Song M. Effects of environmental contaminants on fertility and reproductive health. J Environ Sci (China) 2019; 77:210-217. [PMID: 30573085 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2018.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Recent research indicates that the human infertility rate is increasing. Although various reasons have been hypothesized for the growing infertility rate, environmental contaminants are potentially important causal agents associated with this change. Chemical contaminants are widespread throughout our environment and human exposure is virtually unavoidable. The overall contribution of environmental exposure to infertility is unknown, but studies involving occupational exposure, together with results from animal experiments, suggest that environmental contaminants may adversely affect fertility. We reviewed the adverse effects of environmental exposure on fertility and related reproductive outcomes. Environmental contaminants covered in this review include heavy metals, organic solvents, pesticides and endocrine disrupting chemicals. It is hoped that this review will highlight the need for further research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmin Ma
- Reproductive Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100026, China
| | - Xin He
- Reproductive Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100026, China
| | - Keyan Qi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100026, China
| | - Tong Wang
- Reproductive Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100026, China
| | - Yongchao Qi
- Reproductive Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100026, China
| | - Lele Cui
- Reproductive Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100026, China
| | - Fengbang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effects, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Maoyong Song
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effects, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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Hipwell AE, Kahn LG, Factor-Litvak P, Porucznik CA, Siegel EL, Fichorova RN, Hamman RF, Klein-Fedyshin M, Harley KG. Exposure to non-persistent chemicals in consumer products and fecundability: a systematic review. Hum Reprod Update 2019; 25:51-71. [PMID: 30307509 PMCID: PMC6295794 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmy032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to non-persistent chemicals in consumer products is ubiquitous and associated with endocrine-disrupting effects. These effects have been linked to infertility and adverse pregnancy outcomes in some studies and could affect couple fecundability, i.e. the capacity to conceive a pregnancy, quantified as time to pregnancy (TTP). OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Few epidemiologic studies have examined the impact of non-persistent chemicals specifically on TTP, and the results of these studies have not been synthesized. We undertook a systematic review to summarize the strength of evidence for associations of common non-persistent chemicals with couple fecundability and to identify gaps and limitations in the literature, with the aim of informing policy decisions and future research. SEARCH METHODS We performed an electronic search of English language literature published between 1 January 2007 and 25 August 2017 in MEDLINE, EMBASE.com, Global Health, DART/TOXLINE, POPLINE and DESTAF. We included human retrospective and prospective cohort, cross-sectional and case-control studies that examined phthalates, bisphenol A, triclosan, triclocarban, benzophenones, parabens and glycol ethers in consumer products, and considered TTP or fecundability as an outcome among women, men and couples conceiving without medical assistance. We excluded editorials, opinion pieces, introductions to special sections, articles that described only lifestyle (e.g. caffeine, stress) or clinical factors (e.g. semen parameters, IVF success). Standardized forms for screening, data extraction and study quality were developed using DistillerSR software and completed in duplicate. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to assess risk of bias and devised additional quality metrics based on specific methodological features of fecundability studies. OUTCOMES The search returned 3456 articles. There were 15 papers from 12 studies which met inclusion criteria, of which eight included biomarkers of chemical exposure. Studies varied widely in terms of exposure characterization, precluding a meta-analytic approach. Among the studies that measured exposure using biospecimens, results were equivocal for associations between either male or female phthalate exposure and TTP. There was preliminary support for associations of female exposure to some parabens and glycol ethers and of male exposure to benzophenone with longer TTP, but further research and replication of these results are needed. The results provided little to no indication that bisphenol A, triclocarban or triclosan exposure was associated with TTP. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Despite a growing literature on couple exposure to non-persistent endocrine-disrupting chemicals and fecundability, evidence for associations between biologically measured exposures and TTP is limited. Equivocal results with different non-persistent chemical compounds and metabolites complicate the interpretation of our findings with respect to TTP, but do not preclude action, given the documented endocrine disrupting effects on other reproductive outcomes as well as fetal development. We therefore advocate for common-sense lifestyle changes in which both females and males seeking to conceive minimize their exposure to non-persistent chemicals. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42018084304.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison E Hipwell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Linda G Kahn
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, 403 East 34th Street, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pam Factor-Litvak
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168 Street, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christina A Porucznik
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Utah, 375 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Eva L Siegel
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168 Street, New York, NY, USA
| | - Raina N Fichorova
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richard F Hamman
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, 13001 East 17th Place, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Michele Klein-Fedyshin
- Health Sciences Library System, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 3550 Terrace Street, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kim G Harley
- Center for Environmental Research and Children’s Health, University of California Berkeley, 1995 University Avenue, Berkley CA, USA
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Park D. Review for Retrospective Exposure Assessment Methods Used in Epidemiologic Cancer Risk Studies of Semiconductor Workers: Limitations and Recommendations. Saf Health Work 2018; 9:249-256. [PMID: 30370156 PMCID: PMC6129997 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2018.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This article aims to provide a systematic review of the exposure assessment methods used to assign wafer fabrication (fab) workers in epidemiologic cohort studies of mortality from all causes and various cancers. Epidemiologic and exposure–assessment studies of silicon wafer fab operations in the semiconductor industry were collected through an extensive literature review of articles reported until 2017. The studies found various outcomes possibly linked to fab operations, but a clear association with the chemicals in the process was not found, possibly because of exposure assessment methodology. No study used a tiered assessment approach to identify similar exposure groups that incorporated manufacturing era, facility, fab environment, operation, job and level of exposure to individual hazardous agents. Further epidemiologic studies of fab workers are warranted with more refined exposure assessment methods incorporating both operation and job title and hazardous agents to examine the associations with cancer risk or mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donguk Park
- Department of Environmental Health, Korea National Open University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Warembourg C, Binter AC, Giton F, Fiet J, Labat L, Monfort C, Chevrier C, Multigner L, Cordier S, Garlantézec R. Prenatal exposure to glycol ethers and sex steroid hormones at birth. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 113:66-73. [PMID: 29421409 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glycol ethers (GEs) are oxygenated solvents widely found in occupational and consumer water-based products. Some of them are well-known reproductive and developmental toxicants. OBJECTIVES To study the variations in circulating sex steroid hormones, measured in cord blood, according to biomarkers of prenatal GE exposure. METHODS The study population comes from the PELAGIE mother-child cohort, which enrolled pregnant women from Brittany (France, 2002-2006). Maternal urine samples were collected from a random subcohort (n = 338) before 19 weeks' gestation, from which we measured 8 alkoxycarboxylic metabolites of GEs. We subsequently measured 13 sex steroid hormones and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in cord blood samples. Linear regressions adjusted for potential confounders were used, and nonlinear dose-response associations were investigated. RESULTS The detection rates of GE metabolites ranged from 4% to 98%; only the 5 most detected (>20%) metabolites were investigated further. Phenoxyacetic acid (detection rate > 95%) was associated with lower levels of SHBG and various steroids (17-alpha-hydroxy-Pregnenolone, delta-5-androstenediol, and dehydroepiandrosterone) among boys and higher SHBG and 16-alpha-hydroxy-dehydroepiandrosterone levels among girls. The two other highly detected metabolites, methoxyetoxyacetic acid and butoxyacetic acid, were associated with variations in estradiol. Butoxyacetic acid was associated with higher delta-5-androstenediol levels while detectable levels of methoxyacetic acid were associated with lower levels of this hormone. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that prenatal exposure to GE may affect endocrine response patterns, estimated by determining blood levels of sex steroid hormones in newborns. These results raise questions about the potential role of these changes in the pathways between prenatal GE exposure and previously reported adverse developmental outcomes, including impaired neurocognitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charline Warembourg
- Inserm UMR 1085 Irset, Exposure Assessment and Epidemiological Research on Environment, Reproduction and Development, F-35000 Rennes, France; Université de Rennes I, F-35043 Rennes, France..
| | - Anne-Claire Binter
- Inserm UMR 1085 Irset, Exposure Assessment and Epidemiological Research on Environment, Reproduction and Development, F-35000 Rennes, France; Université de Rennes I, F-35043 Rennes, France
| | - Frank Giton
- AP-HP, Pôle biologie-Pathologie Henri Mondor, Créteil 94000, France.; INSERM U955 eq07, Recherche Translationnelle en oncogenèse génitale, Créteil 94000, France
| | - Jean Fiet
- INSERM U955 eq07, Recherche Translationnelle en oncogenèse génitale, Créteil 94000, France
| | - Laurence Labat
- Assistance publique-hopitaux de Paris, Groupe Cochin, Laboratoire Pharmacologie Toxicologie, F-75004 Paris, France
| | - Christine Monfort
- Inserm UMR 1085 Irset, Exposure Assessment and Epidemiological Research on Environment, Reproduction and Development, F-35000 Rennes, France; Université de Rennes I, F-35043 Rennes, France
| | - Cécile Chevrier
- Inserm UMR 1085 Irset, Exposure Assessment and Epidemiological Research on Environment, Reproduction and Development, F-35000 Rennes, France; Université de Rennes I, F-35043 Rennes, France
| | - Luc Multigner
- Inserm UMR 1085 Irset, Exposure Assessment and Epidemiological Research on Environment, Reproduction and Development, F-35000 Rennes, France; Université de Rennes I, F-35043 Rennes, France
| | - Sylvaine Cordier
- Inserm UMR 1085 Irset, Exposure Assessment and Epidemiological Research on Environment, Reproduction and Development, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Ronan Garlantézec
- Inserm UMR 1085 Irset, Exposure Assessment and Epidemiological Research on Environment, Reproduction and Development, F-35000 Rennes, France; Université de Rennes I, F-35043 Rennes, France.; Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire de Rennes, Service de Santé Publique et d'Epidémiologie, F-35033 Rennes, France
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Park C, Kang MY, Kim D, Park J, Eom H, Kim EA. Prevalence of abortion and adverse pregnancy outcomes among working women in Korea: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182341. [PMID: 28850585 PMCID: PMC5574607 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate incidence and distribution of major adverse reproductive health problems related to various kinds of industries in Korea and to compare risks for major reproductive outcomes to assess maternal health in working and non-working women. METHODS We requested claim data from the Korean National Health Insurance. We defined reference groups as (1) non-working women and (2) workers in the education field. Women working in each industry were compared with reference groups regarding rates of miscarriage, threatened abortion, preterm labor, and intrauterine growth restriction. Logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis, and age and income adjustment was performed. RESULTS The percentages of all adverse obstetric outcomes were higher in working women than in non-working women. Working women had higher and statistically significant adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for miscarriage in 18 of the 21 industries. The age and income-adjusted OR for miscarriage for all working women was 1.26 (95% confidence interval, 1.23-1.28). Business facilities management and business support services, manufacturing, human health and social work activities, wholesale and retail trade, and professional, scientific, and technical activities were major industries with higher adjusted ORs for adverse obstetric outcomes. CONCLUSIONS We confirmed that compared to non-working women, working women have a higher risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Thus, adverse pregnancy outcomes such as threatened abortion, preterm labor, and intrauterine growth restriction may be associated with working status. This exploratory study identified several industries where in-depth studies are required in future to improve occupational safety in women of reproductive age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chulyong Park
- Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, Ulsan, Korea
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mo-Yeol Kang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dohyung Kim
- Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Jaechan Park
- Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Huisu Eom
- Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Eun-A Kim
- Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, Ulsan, Korea
- * E-mail:
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Kim I, Kim MH, Lim S. Reproductive Hazards Still Persist in the Microelectronics Industry: Increased Risk of Spontaneous Abortion and Menstrual Aberration among Female Workers in the Microelectronics Industry in South Korea. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123679. [PMID: 25938673 PMCID: PMC4418732 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite the global expansion of supply chains and changes to the production process, few studies since the mid-1990 s and 2000s have examined reproductive risks of the microelectronics industry; we examined the reproductive risks among female microelectronics workers in South Korea. METHODS Based on claim data from the National Health Insurance (2008-2012), we estimated age-specific rates of spontaneous abortion (SAB) and menstrual aberration (MA) among women aged 20 to 39 years. We compared data between microelectronics workers and three different control groups: economically inactive women, the working population as a whole, and workers employed in the bank industry. For an effect measure, age-stratified relative risks (RRs) were estimated. RESULTS Female workers in the microelectronics industry showed significantly higher risk for SAB and MA compared to control groups. The RRs for SAB with reference to economically inactive women, working population, and bank workers in their twenties were 1.57, 1.40, and 1.37, respectively, and the RRs for MA among females in their twenties were 1.54, 1.38, and 1.48, respectively. For women in their thirties, RRs for SAB were 1.58, 1.67, and 1.13, and those for MA were 1.25, 1.35, and 1.23 compared to the three control populations, respectively. All RRs were statistically significant at a level of 0.05, except for the SAB case comparison with bank workers in their thirties. CONCLUSIONS Despite technical innovations and health and safety measures, female workers in microelectronics industry in South Korea have high rates of SAB and MA, suggesting continued exposure to reproductive hazards. Further etiologic studies based on primary data collection and careful surveillance are required to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inah Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Myoung-Hee Kim
- People’s Health Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
| | - Sinye Lim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Hassani S, Namvar M, Ghoreishvandi M, Attarchi M, Golabadi M, Seyedmehdi SM, Khodarahmian M. Menstrual disturbances and hormonal changes in women workers exposed to a mixture of organic solvents in a pharmaceutical company. Med J Islam Repub Iran 2014; 28:156. [PMID: 25695014 PMCID: PMC4322320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Accepted: 08/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemicals are among risk factors that can affect women's reproductive system. This study is aimed to investigate the association of occupational exposure to a mixture of organic solvents with menstruation disturbances and hormonal changes among female workers. METHODS Female workers of a pharmaceutical company were divided into three groups of non-exposed, lowexposed and highly-exposed to a mixture of organic solvents (formaldehyde, phenol, N-hexane, and chloroform) based on workplace measurements. Menstrual disturbances (in terms of short cycles, long cycles, irregular cycles, and bleeding or spotting between periods) and mean of hormone levels (including follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone, prolactin, estrogen and progesterone levels) were compared between these three groups. For investigating associations, logistic regression was performed. RESULTS Our study showed that mean length of cycles, duration of bleeding, and amount of flow and also prevalence of long cycles, irregular cycles, and bleeding or spotting between periods were higher in exposed groups (p≤0.05). Odds ratio for prevalence of menstrual disturbances in the low exposure group and high exposure group were 9.69 (p=0.001) and 3.40 (p=0.002) respectively compared to the reference group. Estrogen and progesterone levels were not affected (p> 0.05), but other hormones levels were significantly disturbed in the exposed groups compared with the non-exposed group (p=0.001). CONCLUSION Occupational exposure to the mixture of organic solvents may be associated with the increase of menstrual disorders and hormonal changes in female workers. Based on our findings, periodic evaluation of reproductive system of female workers in pharmaceutical companies is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Hassani
- 1. MSc, Researcher, Telemedicine Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis & Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohamad Namvar
- 2. MD General practitioner, Occupational Medicine Department, School of medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Maryam Ghoreishvandi
- 3. MSc, Researcher, Islamic Azad University Pharmacology of Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mirsaeed Attarchi
- 4. MD, Associate Professor, Occupational Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Brain and Spinal cord injury research center (BASIR), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Majid Golabadi
- 5. MD, Occupational medicine specialist, Occupational Medicine Department, School of medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Seyed Mohammad Seyedmehdi
- 6. MD, Assistant professor, Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis & Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mahshad Khodarahmian
- 7. MSc, Researcher, Occupational Medicine Department, School of medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Evaluation of Glycol Ether as an Alternative to Perchloroethylene in Dry Cleaning. TOXICS 2014. [DOI: 10.3390/toxics2020115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Kim MH, Kim H, Paek D. The health impacts of semiconductor production: an epidemiologic review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2013; 20:95-114. [PMID: 24999845 DOI: 10.1179/2049396713y.0000000050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite concerns over the harmful health effects of semiconductor production, epidemiological studies have shown mixed results. OBJECTIVES We aim to critically appraise epidemiologic studies to date, and to suggest future research and actions to protect workers in semiconductor industry. METHODS Epidemiologic studies were identified through electronic database searches, review of reference lists of relevant published works, and expert consultations, and were narratively reviewed. RESULTS Most evidence suggests reproductive risks from fabrication jobs, including spontaneous abortion (SAB), congenital malformation, and reduced fertility. Although chemicals have been suspected as causal agents, knowledge of the likely contribution(s) from specific exposures is still limited. Evidence of cancer risk seems to be equivocal. However, the available studies had serious limitations including healthy worker effects (HWEs), information bias, and insufficient power, all of which are associated with underestimation. Nevertheless, excess risks for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), leukemia, brain tumor, and breast cancer were observed. CONCLUSIONS Monitoring and innovative research based on international collaboration with a focus on sentinel events are required.
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Garlantézec R, Warembourg C, Monfort C, Labat L, Pulkkinen J, Bonvallot N, Multigner L, Chevrier C, Cordier S. Urinary glycol ether metabolites in women and time to pregnancy: the PELAGIE cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2013; 121:1167-73. [PMID: 23838187 PMCID: PMC3801453 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1206103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glycol ethers are present in a wide range of occupational and domestic products. Animal studies have suggested that some of them may affect ovarian function. OBJECTIVE We examined the relation between women's exposure to glycol ethers and time to pregnancy. METHODS We used chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry to measure eight glycol ether metabolites in urine samples from randomly selected women in the PELAGIE mother-child cohort who had samples collected before 19 weeks of gestation. Using time to pregnancy information collected at the beginning of the pregnancy (women were asked how many months it took for them to conceive), we estimated associations between metabolite levels and time to pregnancy in 519 women with complete data using discrete-time Cox proportional hazards models to adjust for potential confounders. RESULTS We detected glycol ether metabolites in 6% (for ethoxyacetic acid) to 93% (for phenoxyacetic and butoxyacetic acids) of urine samples. Phenoxyacetic acid was the only metabolite with a statistically significant association with longer time to pregnancy [fecundability OR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.63, 1.06 for the second and third quartile combined; fecundability OR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.52, 0.95 for a fourth-quartile (≥ 1.38 mg/L) vs. first-quartile concentration (< 0.14 mg/L)]. This association remained stable after multiple sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION Phenoxyacetic acid, which was present in most of the urine samples tested in our study, was associated with increased time to pregnancy. This metabolite and its main parent compound, 2-phenoxyethanol, are plausible causes of decreased fecundability, but they may also be surrogates for potential coexposures to compounds frequently present in cosmetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronan Garlantézec
- INSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale), U1085 IRSET (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), Rennes, France
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Lin CC, Wang JD, Hsieh GY, Chang YY, Chen PC. Increased Risk of Death with Congenital Anomalies in the Offspring of Male Semiconductor Workers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2013; 14:112-6. [DOI: 10.1179/oeh.2008.14.2.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Exposure to multiple low-level chemicals in relation to reproductive hormones in premenopausal women involved in liquid crystal display manufacture. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 10:1406-17. [PMID: 23552809 PMCID: PMC3709325 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph10041406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2013] [Revised: 03/21/2013] [Accepted: 03/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: Liquid crystal display (LCD) manufacturing involves three fabrication processes: array, panel and module processes, which result in different levels of volatile organic compound (VOC) exposure. The aim of this study was to assess the potential reproductive endocrine effects of occupational exposures during LCD manufacturing predictive of menstrual cycles as subclinical markers of female reproductive dysfunction effects of low-dose exposures. Methods: A total of 94 fabrication workers were followed for one complete menstrual cycle using daily urine samples: 23 were from the array, 53 from the panel, and 18 from the module work areas. The menstrual cycle characteristics of the study population were measured using a self-administered questionnaire. Urine samples were collected during the first urination in the morning for at least one complete menstrual cycle. The urine was then analyzed to determine the urinary concentrations of follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), estrone conjugates (E1C), and pregnanediol-3-glucuronide (PdG). The results of this analysis were used to assess the potential effects of chemical exposure as determined by handheld volatile organic compound (VOC) monitors and 24 h canisters. Results: The concentration of total VOCs was much higher in the module making area (ND–21,000 ppb) than in panel (ND–766 ppb) and array (58–1,472 ppb) making areas. The concentrations of ethanol and acetone were much higher in the module (1,974.9 and 2,283.2 ppb, respectively) and panel (2256.9 and 592.2 ppb, respectively) making areas. Compared to those in the array making area, we found that E1C (12.55, 95% confidence interval (CI): 8.49, 16.61 μg/mg Cr) and PdG (0.53, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.77 μg/mg Cr) levels in the module group were significantly higher in the early follicular phase; E1C (11.93, 95% CI: 6.21, 17.65 μg/mg Cr) and PdG (0.53, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.77 μg/mg Cr) levels were significantly higher in the periovulatory phase; and all the hormone levels, FSH (1.48, 95% CI: 0.81, 2.15 μg/mg Cr), E1C (9.29, 95% CI: 4.92, 13.66 μg/mg Cr), and PdG (1.01, 95% CI: 0.42, 1.60 μg/mg Cr) were also significantly higher in the luteal phase. In addition, the FSH (0.89, 95% CI: 0.07, 1.71 μg/mg Cr) level in the panel group was significantly higher but E1C (−4.49, 95% CI: −7.90, −1.08 μg/mg Cr) was lower in the early follicular phase; and E1C (−5.16, 95% CI: −9.61, −0.71 μg/mg Cr) level was significantly lower in the periovulatory phase. Conclusions: Our findings add to the evidence that exposure to multiple low-level chemicals is associated with modest changes in reproductive hormone urinary concentrations in healthy premenopausal women. In addition, the FSH (0.89, 95% CI: 0.07, 1.71 μg/mg Cr) level in the panel group was significantly higher but E1C (−4.49, 95% CI: −7.90, −1.08 μg/mg Cr) lower in the early follicular phase; and E1C (−5.16, 95% CI: −9.61, −0.71 μg/mg Cr) level was significantly lower in the periovulatory phase.
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Lin CC, Huang CN, Hwang YH, Wang JD, Weng SP, Shie RH, Chen PC. Shortened menstrual cycles in LCD manufacturing workers. Occup Med (Lond) 2012; 63:45-52. [DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqs172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Yoon C. Much concern but little research on semiconductor occupational health issues. J Korean Med Sci 2012; 27:461-4. [PMID: 22563207 PMCID: PMC3342533 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2012.27.5.461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2012] [Accepted: 04/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chungsik Yoon
- Institute of Health and Environment, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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Lin YC, Chen MH, Hsieh CJ, Chen PC. Effect of rotating shift work on childbearing and birth weight: a study of women working in a semiconductor manufacturing factory. World J Pediatr 2011; 7:129-35. [PMID: 21574029 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-011-0265-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2010] [Accepted: 11/10/2010] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stable circadian rhythm is important for both maternal and fetal health. This retrospective analysis of women in a semiconductor factory evaluated the effect of shift work exposure on childbearing and birth weight. METHODS Records of 440 female employees (initial mean age: 28.4 years) including 111 mothers who had 158 live births during the period of observation (1997-2007) were reviewed. The data analyzed included maternal age, general health condition, highest educational level, life-style and occupational factors, as well as newborn gender, birth weight, birth order and gestational age. RESULTS The childbearing rates of female workers on three different work schedules (consistent daytime work (CDW), intermittent (i-) or persistent (p-) rotating shift works (RSW)) were 32.1%, 20.0% and 25.4%, respectively (P=0.047). After controlling for potential confounding factors, childbearing rates among women with CDW exceeded those of shift workers (odds ratio (OR), 1.7; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.0-3.0). The birth weights of newborns from mothers on the three work schedules (CDW, i-RSW and p-RSW) were significantly different (3271.7±395.4, 3251.3±460.9, and 2998.5±381.2 g, respectively (P<0.01). Newborns within the lightest birth weight quintile were significantly more likely to be born to mothers with exposure to p-RSW (OR, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.1-16.8). CONCLUSIONS Rotating shift work exposure was significantly associated with decreased childbearing and lighter birth weight in women working in this semiconductor manufacturing factory. Work schedules should be carefully planned for female employees who are pregnant or preparing for pregnancy. Prenatal evaluations for mothers with persistent day-night rotating shift work exposures are especially necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Cheng Lin
- The Department of Occupational Medicine, En Chu Kong Hospital, New Taipei City, 23742 Taiwan, China
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Chalupka S, Chalupka AN. The impact of environmental and occupational exposures on reproductive health. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2010; 39:84-102. [PMID: 20409107 DOI: 10.1111/j.1552-6909.2009.01091.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental exposures during critical periods of susceptibility in utero may result in lifelong or intergenerational adverse health effects. Most chemicals in commercial use in the United States have not been tested for possible developmental toxicity to fetuses, infants, and children. Environmental and occupational exposures can result in adverse effects on female and male reproduction. Nurses can identify at-risk patients, provide education about the impact of chemical toxicants, and empower women to take precautionary action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Chalupka
- Graduate Nursing Program, Worcester State College, Worcester, MA and a visiting scientist in Occupational and Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA..
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Weng SP, Wu TCJ, Chen SU, Wu J, Lin CC, Yang YC, Chen PC. The impact of ethylene glycol monomethyl ether on ovarian function may extend to the next generation in female mice: A preliminary study. Reprod Toxicol 2010; 29:452-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2010.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2008] [Revised: 03/01/2010] [Accepted: 03/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Chang PJ, Chen PC, Hsieh CJ, Chiu LT. Risk factors on the menstrual cycle of healthy Taiwanese college nursing students. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2010; 49:689-94. [PMID: 20070725 DOI: 10.1111/j.1479-828x.2009.01097.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to explore risk factors, including age at menarche, body mass index (BMI), psychiatric stress and physical exercise on the menstrual cycle of healthy Taiwanese college nursing students. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey involving 1300 female college students in the nursing curriculum between December 2002 and March 2003. We provided a structured questionnaire for each student. Information on the women's demographics, lifestyles and reproductive history related to menstrual cycle characteristics was requested. A total of 1095 healthy students were included in the analysis. A logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios for each of the menstrual cycle characteristics. RESULTS We found that age at menarche, BMI and psychiatric stress were associated with menstrual cycle characteristics in healthy college nursing students. In addition to menarche at the age of 14 years or later, obesity and psychological stress, menarche before 12 years of age was an important risk factor for menstrual dysfunction. Moreover, obese students had the highest risk of having a longer cycle and cycle irregularity. CONCLUSIONS Early menarche might be related to menstrual dysfunction in addition to late menarche, obesity and psychological stress. Moreover, obese students are at the highest risks for longer cycles and cycle irregularity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Jen Chang
- Department of Nursing, National Taipei College of Nursing, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Job stress models, depressive disorders and work performance of engineers in microelectronics industry. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2010; 84:91-103. [DOI: 10.1007/s00420-010-0538-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2009] [Accepted: 04/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Crain DA, Janssen SJ, Edwards TM, Heindel J, Ho SM, Hunt P, Iguchi T, Juul A, McLachlan JA, Schwartz J, Skakkebaek N, Soto AM, Swan S, Walker C, Woodruff TK, Woodruff TJ, Giudice LC, Guillette LJ. Female reproductive disorders: the roles of endocrine-disrupting compounds and developmental timing. Fertil Steril 2008; 90:911-40. [PMID: 18929049 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.08.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 300] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2008] [Accepted: 08/13/2008] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the possible role of endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) on female reproductive disorders emphasizing developmental plasticity and the complexity of endocrine-dependent ontogeny of reproductive organs. Declining conception rates and the high incidence of female reproductive disruptions warrant evaluation of the impact of EDCs on female reproductive health. DESIGN Publications related to the contribution of EDCs to disorders of the ovary (aneuploidy, polycystic ovary syndrome, and altered cyclicity), uterus (endometriosis, uterine fibroids, fetal growth restriction, and pregnancy loss), breast (breast cancer, reduced duration of lactation), and pubertal timing were identified, reviewed, and summarized at a workshop. CONCLUSION(S) The data reviewed illustrate that EDCs contribute to numerous human female reproductive disorders and emphasize the sensitivity of early life-stage exposures. Many research gaps are identified that limit full understanding of the contribution of EDCs to female reproductive problems. Moreover, there is an urgent need to reduce the incidence of these reproductive disorders, which can be addressed by correlative studies on early life exposure and adult reproductive dysfunction together with tools to assess the specific exposures and methods to block their effects. This review of the EDC literature as it relates to female health provides an important platform on which women's health can be improved.
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Lin CC, Wang JD, Hsieh GY, Chang YY, Chen PC. Health risk in the offspring of female semiconductor workers. Occup Med (Lond) 2008; 58:388-92. [DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqn046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Woodruff TJ, Carlson A, Schwartz JM, Giudice LC. Proceedings of the Summit on Environmental Challenges to Reproductive Health and Fertility: executive summary. Fertil Steril 2008; 89:e1-e20. [PMID: 18308046 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.01.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2007] [Revised: 10/03/2007] [Accepted: 10/03/2007] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
The 2007 Summit on Environmental Challenges to Reproductive Health and Fertility convened scientists, health care professionals, community groups, political representatives, and the media to hear presentations on the impact of environmental contaminants on reproductive health and fertility, and to discuss opportunities to improve health through research, education, communication, and policy. Environmental reproductive health focuses on exposures to environmental contaminants, particularly during critical periods of development, and their potential effects on future reproductive health, including conception, fertility, pregnancy, adolescent development, and adult health. Approximately 87,000 chemical substances are registered for commercial use in the United States, with ubiquitous human exposures to environmental contaminants in air, water, food, and consumer products. Exposures during critical windows of susceptibility may result in adverse effects with lifelong and even intergenerational health impacts. Effects can include impaired development and function of the reproductive tract and permanently altered gene expression, leading to metabolic and hormonal disorders, reduced fertility and fecundity, and illnesses such as testicular, prostate, uterine, and cervical cancers later in life. This executive summary reviews effects of pre- and postnatal exposures on male and female reproductive health, and provides a series of recommendations for advancing the field in the areas of research, policy, health care, and community action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey J Woodruff
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, National Center of Excellence in Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, USA.
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Mendola P, Messer LC, Rappazzo K. Science linking environmental contaminant exposures with fertility and reproductive health impacts in the adult female. Fertil Steril 2008; 89:e81-94. [PMID: 18308071 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To broadly review the recent literature linking environmental factors and adult female reproductive health for the UCSF-CHE Summit on Environmental Challenges to Reproductive Health and Fertility. DESIGN Reviewed articles indexed in PubMed from 1999-2007 addressing environment and puberty, menstrual and ovarian function, fertility, and menopause. RESULT(S) The strongest evidence of environmental contaminant exposures interfering with healthy reproductive function in adult females is for heavy metals, particularly lead. Compounds that can influence hormone function, including pesticides and persistent pollutants, are also associated with risk. The pattern of effects for these endocrine-active compounds is often complex, with no clear dose response, but alterations in function and poor reproductive health outcomes are observed. From a clinical perspective, most modifiable risk appears to be associated with exposures in unique populations (contaminated fish consumers) or occupational groups (farmworkers). Many compounds have demonstrated increased risks for reproductive health impairment in women, but the literature is largely cross-sectional in nature and too sparse or inconclusive to support causal inference. CONCLUSION(S) Reproductive function in adult females is impaired by lead exposure. Pesticides and persistent pollutants can alter hormone function resulting in adverse reproductive health effects. Coordinated research is needed to address contaminant effects across the life span.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Mendola
- US EPA, Human Studies Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA.
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Woodruff TJ, Carlson A, Schwartz JM, Giudice LC. Proceedings of the Summit on Environmental Challenges to Reproductive Health and Fertility: executive summary. Fertil Steril 2008; 89:281-300. [PMID: 18275883 PMCID: PMC2440710 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2007] [Revised: 10/03/2007] [Accepted: 10/03/2007] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The 2007 Summit on Environmental Challenges to Reproductive Health and Fertility convened scientists, health care professionals, community groups, political representatives, and the media to hear presentations on the impact of environmental contaminants on reproductive health and fertility, and to discuss opportunities to improve health through research, education, communication, and policy. Environmental reproductive health focuses on exposures to environmental contaminants, particularly during critical periods of development, and their potential effects on future reproductive health, including conception, fertility, pregnancy, adolescent development, and adult health. Approximately 87,000 chemical substances are registered for commercial use in the United States, with ubiquitous human exposures to environmental contaminants in air, water, food, and consumer products. Exposures during critical windows of susceptibility may result in adverse effects with lifelong and even intergenerational health impacts. Effects can include impaired development and function of the reproductive tract and permanently altered gene expression, leading to metabolic and hormonal disorders, reduced fertility and fecundity, and illnesses such as testicular, prostate, uterine, and cervical cancers later in life. This executive summary reviews effects of pre- and postnatal exposures on male and female reproductive health, and provides a series of recommendations for advancing the field in the areas of research, policy, health care, and community action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey J Woodruff
- National Center of Excellence in Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, USA.
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Cicolella A. [Glycol ethers reproductive risks]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 34:955-63. [PMID: 16987687 DOI: 10.1016/j.gyobfe.2006.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2006] [Accepted: 07/10/2006] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Glycol ethers (GE) are a family of solvents, the use of which has increased dramatically since the 60's, in domestic and occupational mainly water-based products, such as paintings, inks, varnishes, cleaning agents. There are two subgroups: E series and P series. EGME, among the E series, is the reference substance. This is a reprotoxic chemical causing infertility and genital apparatus atrophy on both sexes, embryofetal toxicity through maternal exposure (malformation, growth alterations and functional deficits). European Union has classified nine other GE as reprotoxic. P series, with the beta isomers exception, has no specific reprotoxicity. Epidemiological studies published from the 80's onwards, have confirmed animal data (malformation, oligoazoospermia, spontaneous abortion, hypofertility). The effects can be observed even after the end of exposure. Risk assessment studies tend to prove that this massive exposure during several decades could have had an important impact on reproductive human health. Even if this exposure has considerably decreased since the last few years, a ban of reprotoxic GE, as required by two official bodies (CSC, CSHPF), seems necessary, due to the high risk level. Classification should be completed for some GE, not classified now (EGBE). Health assessment of past exposure should be carried out. Physicians should look after a possible glycol ethers responsibility when facing this kind of reprotoxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Cicolella
- INERIS, Parc Alata, BP2, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France.
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