Multi-exposures to suspected endocrine disruptors in electronic waste recycling workers: Associations with thyroid and reproductive hormones.

Multi-exposures to suspected endocrine disruptors in electronic waste recycling workers: Associations with thyroid and reproductive hormones. Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2020 Jan 10;225:113445 Authors: Gravel S, Lavoué J, Bakhiyi B, Lavoie J, Roberge B, Patry L, Bouchard MF, Verner MA, Zayed J, Labrèche F Abstract Electronic waste recycling (e-recycling) exposes workers to substances such as flame retardants and metals. Some of them are known or suspected endocrine disruptors that could affect hormonal homeostasis and eventually result in adverse health outcomes. Our aim was to measure biological concentrations of organophosphate ester (OPE) metabolites, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), mercury, lead and cadmium in e-recycling workers, and to explore associations with thyroid and sexual hormones. In a cross-sectional study, end-of-shift blood and urine spot samples were collected from 23 women and 77 men in six e-recycling facilities and one commercial recycling facility. Urinary concentrations of 15 OPE metabolites and mercury, and blood concentrations of 12 PBDE congeners, lead, cadmium, and thyroid (thyroxine [T4], triiodothyronine [T3], thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH]) and sexual (testosterone [T], estradiol, Follicle Stimulating Hormone [FSH], Luteinizing hormone [LH]) hormones were measured. E-recycling workers had higher concentrations of BDE209, all OPE metabolites, and lead than commercial recycling workers. In e-re...
Source: International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental health - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Int J Hyg Environ Health Source Type: research