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Reduced fertility among shoe manufacturing workers
1Centre of Expertise for Health and Work Ability, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Topeliuksenkatu 41 aA, FI-00250 Helsinki, Finland. Markku.Sallmen@ttl.fi
Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|November 9, 2007
Summary
Female shoe factory workers exposed to organic solvents showed reduced fertility. This occupational exposure poses reproductive risks, particularly with shorter exposure durations.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Occupational exposure to organic solvents is prevalent in various industries.
- The potential impact of these exposures on female reproductive health remains a significant concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between occupational exposure to organic solvents and fertility in female shoe manufacturing workers.
- To quantify the risk of reduced fertility based on exposure levels and duration.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study comparing 250 exposed female shoe manufacturing workers with 250 unexposed women.
- Data on time to pregnancy (TTP) collected via face-to-face interviews.
- Exposure assessment based on workplace hygienic measurements and analyzed using discrete proportional hazards regression.
Main Results:
- Organic solvent exposure was significantly associated with reduced female fertility.
- Lower exposure durations (<6 years) showed a stronger negative impact on fertility.
- Interactions were observed with smoking and coffee consumption, with exposed women who smoke or consume coffee exhibiting higher fecundity.
Conclusions:
- Exposure to organic solvents in shoe manufacturing poses a hazard to female reproductive health.
- Specific solvents like n-hexane, toluene, and dichloromethane may contribute to the observed reproductive risks.
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