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Toxic environmental chemicals in human semen: analytical method and case studies
B Stachel1, R C Dougherty, U Lahl
1Bremer Umweltinstitut für die Analyse und Bewertung von Schadstoffen, Bremen, FRG.
Andrologia
|May 1, 1989
Summary
Persistent environmental chemicals like lead, cadmium, and organochlorines were found in semen. While occupational and environmental exposures influenced levels, no significant link was found between these chemicals and sperm density.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Persistent environmental chemicals are a growing concern for public health.
- Understanding the presence and impact of these chemicals on human reproductive health is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the concentrations of specific persistent environmental chemicals in human semen.
- To explore potential correlations between chemical exposure, environmental factors, and sperm density.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of semen samples from 89 men in the FRG for heavy metals (lead, cadmium) and organochlorine compounds (HCBC, a-BHC, DDT, dieldrin, PBC).
- Utilized Zeeman-AAS for heavy metals and gas chromatography with electron capture detection for chlorinated hydrocarbons.
- Confirmed compound identification using negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry.
Main Results:
- Heavy metals and organochlorine compounds were detected in semen at concentrations comparable to other biofluids.
- Elevated levels of organochlorine compounds were observed in chemistry students, and elevated lead/cadmium in men near atmospheric heavy metal sources.
- No statistically significant correlation was found between sperm density and measured chemical concentrations or tobacco consumption.
- Significant correlations were observed between the co-occurrence of lead and cadmium, and between HCB, DDT, and DDE.
Conclusions:
- Semen can serve as a biofluid for monitoring exposure to persistent environmental chemicals.
- Occupational and environmental exposures demonstrably influence semen chemical concentrations.
- While chemical presence in semen is confirmed, this study did not establish a direct link to reduced sperm density in the examined cohort.
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