Abstract
Objective
The aim of this study was to explore the association between exposure to specific pesticides (including endocrine disrupters) of greenhouse workers and spontaneous abortion in their spouses.
Methods
A group of exposed workers was compared with a non-exposed group. The risk of spontaneous abortion was evaluated using a logistic regression model.
Results
A significantly higher rate of spontaneous abortion was observed among spouses of workers exposed to specific compounds (atrazine, benomyl-carbendazim, carbaryl and DDT) in comparison with spouses of the unexposed group. The logistic regression model confirmed the increased risk of spontaneous abortion (OR=11.8; 95% CI 2.3–59.6).
Conclusions
These findings suggest that occupational exposure to pesticides might have an adverse effect on the partner’s reproductive health.
Key words: reproduction, endocrine disrupters, pregnancy loss, epidemiology, paternal exposure
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