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Investigation of reports of sexual dysfunction among male chemical workers manufacturing stilbene derivatives
Author(s) -
Quinn Margaret M.,
Wegman David H.,
Greaves Ian A.,
Katharine S. Hammond,
Ellenbecker Michael J.,
Spark Richard F.,
Smith Emil R.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.4700180107
Subject(s) - medicine , libido , testosterone (patch) , erectile dysfunction , occupational safety and health , population , potency , decreased libido , occupational medicine , physiology , toxicology , environmental health , pathology , biochemistry , chemistry , in vitro , biology
A Health Hazard Evaluation was conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in an area of a large chemical plant that manufactured the stilbene derivative 4,4′‐diaminostilbene‐2,2′‐disulfonic acid, an intermediate used for the production of optical brightening agents. Men employed in the area reported problems with impotence. The study population consisted of 44 men aged 20–57 years (mean age 37) employed in the area at the time of the evaluation. An industrial hygiene investigation, health and work history questionnaire survey, physical examinations, and blood chemistry and serum hormone evaluation were conducted. Fourteen percent of the men reported symptoms of impotence over the preceding 6 or more months, 7% had potency problems of shorter duration, and 7% were not currently impotent but had experienced impotence for 6 or more months in the past; 36% experienced decreased libido, all since beginning work in the production area. Low levels of serum testosterone (<350 ng/dl) were observed in 37% of the men. The low serum testosterone concentrations were not accounted for fully by diurnal variation or an effect of rotating shift work. It is suggested that exposures to chemicals possessing estrogenic activity may be related to the observed health effects in these workers.