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Int J Environ Res Public Health

Title:		Exposure to multiple low-level chemicals in relation to reproductive hormones in premenopausal women involved in liquid crystal display manufacture
Author(s):		Lin CC; Huang CN; Wang JD; Hwang YH; Shie RH; Chang YY; Weng SP; Chen PC;
Address:		"Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, National Taiwan University College of Public Health, Taipei 100, Taiwan. ccleuven@gmail.com"
Journal Title:		Int J Environ Res Public Health
Year:		2013
Volume:		20130403
Issue:		4
Page Number:		1406 - 1417
DOI:		10.3390/ijerph10041406
ISSN/ISBN:		1660-4601 (Electronic) 1661-7827 (Print) 1660-4601 (Linking)
Abstract:		"BACKGROUND: Liquid crystal display (LCD) manufacturing involves three fabrication processes: array, panel and module processes, which result in different levels of volatile organic compound (VOC) exposure. The aim of this study was to assess the potential reproductive endocrine effects of occupational exposures during LCD manufacturing predictive of menstrual cycles as subclinical markers of female reproductive dysfunction effects of low-dose exposures. METHODS: A total of 94 fabrication workers were followed for one complete menstrual cycle using daily urine samples: 23 were from the array, 53 from the panel, and 18 from the module work areas. The menstrual cycle characteristics of the study population were measured using a self-administered questionnaire. Urine samples were collected during the first urination in the morning for at least one complete menstrual cycle. The urine was then analyzed to determine the urinary concentrations of follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), estrone conjugates (E1C), and pregnanediol-3-glucuronide (PdG). The results of this analysis were used to assess the potential effects of chemical exposure as determined by handheld volatile organic compound (VOC) monitors and 24 h canisters. RESULTS: The concentration of total VOCs was much higher in the module making area (ND-21,000 ppb) than in panel (ND-766 ppb) and array (58-1,472 ppb) making areas. The concentrations of ethanol and acetone were much higher in the module (1,974.9 and 2,283.2 ppb, respectively) and panel (2256.9 and 592.2 ppb, respectively) making areas. Compared to those in the array making area, we found that E1C (12.55, 95% confidence interval (CI): 8.49, 16.61 mug/mg Cr) and PdG (0.53, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.77 mug/mg Cr) levels in the module group were significantly higher in the early follicular phase; E1C (11.93, 95% CI: 6.21, 17.65 mug/mg Cr) and PdG (0.53, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.77 mug/mg Cr) levels were significantly higher in the periovulatory phase; and all the hormone levels, FSH (1.48, 95% CI: 0.81, 2.15 mug/mg Cr), E1C (9.29, 95% CI: 4.92, 13.66 mug/mg Cr), and PdG (1.01, 95% CI: 0.42, 1.60 mug/mg Cr) were also significantly higher in the luteal phase. In addition, the FSH (0.89, 95% CI: 0.07, 1.71 mug/mg Cr) level in the panel group was significantly higher but E1C (-4.49, 95% CI: -7.90, -1.08 mug/mg Cr) was lower in the early follicular phase; and E1C (-5.16, 95% CI: -9.61, -0.71 mug/mg Cr) level was significantly lower in the periovulatory phase. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings add to the evidence that exposure to multiple low-level chemicals is associated with modest changes in reproductive hormone urinary concentrations in healthy premenopausal women. In addition, the FSH (0.89, 95% CI: 0.07, 1.71 mug/mg Cr) level in the panel group was significantly higher but E1C (-4.49, 95% CI: -7.90, -1.08 mug/mg Cr) lower in the early follicular phase; and E1C (-5.16, 95% CI: -9.61, -0.71 mug/mg Cr) level was significantly lower in the periovulatory phase"
Keywords:		Adolescent Adult Cross-Sectional Studies Data Collection Female Humans Liquid Crystals/*chemistry Menstrual Cycle/*drug effects Occupational Exposure Surveys and Questionnaires Taiwan Volatile Organic Compounds/*chemistry/metabolism/urine Young Adult;
Notes:		"MedlineLin, Ching-Chun Huang, Chia-Ning Wang, Jung-Der Hwang, Yaw-Huei Shie, Ruei-Hao Chang, Yu-Yin Weng, Shao-Ping Chen, Pau-Chung eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Switzerland 2013/04/05 Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2013 Apr 3; 10(4):1406-17. doi: 10.3390/ijerph10041406"