Papers
Male Endocrine Dysfunction in Lead Smelter Workers
Khadiga Salah Ibrahim and Safia Bechir Ahmed
Industrial Medicine and Occupational Health Department, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
Corresponding author: Khadiga Salah Ibrahim
Industrial Medicine and Occupational Health Department
National Research Center
Cairo, Dokki, Egypt
Fax number: 00202-3370931
E-mail address: khadigasalah@yahoo.com
CEJOEM 2002, Vol.8. No.1.:31–38
Key words:
Occupational lead exposure, FSH, LH, testosterone, sexual problems
Abstract:
Evidence for the effect of occupational exposure to lead on the male endocrine system is
controversial. This study evaluated the primary (testicular) and secondary
(hypothalamo-pituitary-testicular) effects of exposure to lead in 69 current lead workers exposed
for 16.16 ± 6.1 yr and in 40 non-exposed workers. The mean current blood lead concentration
was 42.92 ± 4.89 µg/dl in the exposed workers, and 29.5 ± 5.3 µg/dl in the control
group. Concentrations of serum luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
were both significantly higher in the exposed workers, but testosterone was not significantly
different in the two groups. The level of testosterone showed an increase in relation to blood
lead concentrations. The exposed males showed statistically significant increase in the incidence
of sexual problems in the form of premature ejaculation, impotence, decreased libido. In
conclusion, periodic medical examination of the workers and biological monitoring of the level of
lead is mandatory for the early detection of any side effects or complications caused by the
exposure. Those who prove to be at high risk should be spared by avoiding further exposure,
especially if they were in reproductive age.
Received: 20 March 2002
Accepted: 30 May 2002
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