Determinants of spermatogenesis recovery among workers exposed to 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane

Article Abstract:

Some men who have been exposed to 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) in the workplace have developed a low sperm count; DBCP is known to be toxic to the reproductive system in both humans and animals. There has been little research, however, on the recovery of spermatogenesis (sperm production) after exposure to this chemical. The subjects in this study were employees, contractors and service workers at a Dow Chemical Company plant in Arkansas. From January 1976 to August 1977, the plant produced DBCP. In late summer of 1977, tests identified 30 men who were azoospermic (with no sperm in the semen) and 17 men who were oligospermic (with a reduced number of sperm). All 47 Dow employees had been exposed to DBCP. This report discusses factors that were studied in relation to spermatogenesis recovery. The follow-up period lasted up to 11 years. Nineteen of the 26 azoospermic men (73 percent) who were followed-up experienced some recovery of sperm production. Thirteen reached normal sperm counts, but their average count (44.4 million sperm per milliliter of semen) was still lower than that of the 17 oligospermic workers whose sperm counts returned to normal (88.8 million sperm per milliliter of semen). Employees who did not show spermatogenesis recovery were more likely to have worked with DBCP in jobs involving drumming and canning; age may have effected spermatogenesis recovery as well. The length of exposure and intensity of exposure as initially classified (high, moderate or low) were not associated with recovering sperm production. Testicle size was reduced during azoospermia and increased in subjects whose sperm counts returned to normal. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Chemical plants, Spermatogenesis, Infertility, Male, Male infertility, Dibromochloropropane, Oligospermia

---

Lung cancer and hydrogen chloride exposure: results from a nested case control study of chemical workers

Article Abstract:

Few studies have been conducted and little data has been reported, which address the cancer-causing ability of hydrogen chloride (HCl) vapor. HCl vapor is a product of coal-burning power plants, incinerators, and other industrial sources. This report cites data from a nested case-control study of chemically exposed workers. A nested case-control study pertains to a selected group of cases and controls ('the nest') that are a part of a larger group identified for another related study. The case group contained 308 individuals with lung, tracheal, or bronchial cancer. The cases were selected from a data base covering a 40-year period, consisting of 19,608 male employees of a large chemical production complex. Two control groups, one contained decedents of the workers and the other contained chemical workers in the same work environment without cancer. Worker exposure to HCl was characterized as low, moderate, or high, and was determined on the basis of an estimated time-weighted average of HCl exposure. Exposure occurred in areas where HCl was a raw material for a reaction, or where HCl was a by-product of an electrochemical process. The cumulative exposure was estimated based on jobs performed and length of time for each task. No influences of cigarette smoking as a confounding variable were observed. Analysis of the results found no evidence that HCl vapor causes cancer. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Complications and side effects, Lung cancer, Hydrogen chloride, Carcinogenicity testing, Ames test, Chemical workers

---

An epidemiologic investigation of forced expiratory volume at 1 second and respiratory symptoms among employees of a toluene diisocyanate production plant

Article Abstract:

Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) is a toxic, clear to pale-yellow, volatile, low weight liquid used in the production of polyurethane foams. Fifty-seven TDI manufacturing workers and a control group of 89 non-TDI workers were measured for lung function (pulmonary function test), and given a questionnaire that related their exposure to TDI and to other known respiratory hazards. Other relevant personal data, such as smoking history, was also collected. Each subject was ranked for degree of exposure to TDI. At the highest level of exposure and duration, no pathologic association was found between a measure of lung function and exposure to TDI. These data contradict other studies which have reported a decrease in respiratory function in TDI workers. The study did show a statistically significant correlation between lung pathophysiology (respiratory problems) and cigarette smoking.

Evaluation, Occupational health and safety, Occupational safety and health, Tobacco, Pulmonary function tests, Toluene diisocyanate

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Is health care really a luxury? The determinants of health care expenditure: a cointegration approach
• Abstracts: Health insurance among children: the role of expanded Medicaid coverage. Access and use by children on Medicaid: does state matter?
• Abstracts: Business examines hospitals. The next step: the Feds and hospital recognize that payment incentives need changing
• Abstracts: How Hospital Managers Should Respond to PPS. Responding to PPS: The Outside Response. Part 1, Defining the Hospital Product: The Response to PPS: Inside, Outside, Over Time

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.