S Kumar1, S S A Zaidi, A K Gautam, L M Dave, H N Saiyed. 1. Division of Histochemistry & Reproductive Toxicology, National Institute of Occupational Health (ICMR), Meghani Nagar, 380016, Ahmedabad, India, sunilnioh@yahoo.com.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Welders are exposed to intense heat, toxic metals and their oxides and toxic gases during welding, and some of these substances reported to have adverse effects on reproductive organs. Thus, the present study was planned to investigate the sperm quality as well as reproductive hormones among welders exposed to a complex mixture of pollutants. METHODS: Seventeen welders aged 43.8±12.0 (mean±SD) years with welding exposure of 1 to 10 years or more participated in this study. They were performing are and gas welding in a workshop. Blood (5-6 ml) and semen samples by masturbation were collected from them. Serum was separated and analyzed for reproductive hormones by RIA techniques. Semen was processed for microscopic examination. RESULTS: The results of this study indicated that sperm concentration was in the normal range (≥20 million/ml) in all seventeen welders, however, motility, morphology as well as Hypo Osmotic Swelling test (HOS) demonstrated impairment in few welders, indicating deterioration in sperm quality compared to the reported normal reference value. Compared with the normal value of hormones provided in diagnostic kits brochure, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), leutinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone levels were in the normal range, except in two subjects who showed higher FSH and LH levels and one who showed a lower value of testosterone. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that welding might have had some adverse effects on sperm motility, morphology and physiologic function even though sperm concentration was in the normal range. Hormonal changes did not show any definite pattern, indicating a need for further study.
OBJECTIVES: Welders are exposed to intense heat, toxic metals and their oxides and toxic gases during welding, and some of these substances reported to have adverse effects on reproductive organs. Thus, the present study was planned to investigate the sperm quality as well as reproductive hormones among welders exposed to a complex mixture of pollutants. METHODS: Seventeen welders aged 43.8±12.0 (mean±SD) years with welding exposure of 1 to 10 years or more participated in this study. They were performing are and gas welding in a workshop. Blood (5-6 ml) and semen samples by masturbation were collected from them. Serum was separated and analyzed for reproductive hormones by RIA techniques. Semen was processed for microscopic examination. RESULTS: The results of this study indicated that sperm concentration was in the normal range (≥20 million/ml) in all seventeen welders, however, motility, morphology as well as Hypo Osmotic Swelling test (HOS) demonstrated impairment in few welders, indicating deterioration in sperm quality compared to the reported normal reference value. Compared with the normal value of hormones provided in diagnostic kits brochure, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), leutinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone levels were in the normal range, except in two subjects who showed higher FSH and LH levels and one who showed a lower value of testosterone. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that welding might have had some adverse effects on sperm motility, morphology and physiologic function even though sperm concentration was in the normal range. Hormonal changes did not show any definite pattern, indicating a need for further study.
Authors: A R Chowdhury; N J Chinoy; A K Gautam; R V Rao; D J Parikh; G M Shah; H N Highland; K G Patel; B B Chatterjee Journal: Adv Contracept Deliv Syst Date: 1986-06
Authors: N H Hjollund; J P Bonde; T K Jensen; T B Henriksen; H A Kolstad; E Ernst; A Giwercman; G Pritzl; N E Skakkebaek; J Olsen Journal: Reprod Toxicol Date: 1998 Jan-Feb Impact factor: 3.143
Authors: S G Selevan; L Borkovec; V L Slott; Z Zudová; J Rubes; D P Evenson; S D Perreault Journal: Environ Health Perspect Date: 2000-09 Impact factor: 9.031