In a first study that involves human exposure to Bisphenol-A, scientists find a link between erectile dysfunction and BPA exposure at work. The findings come from Kaiser Permanente and are published in the journal Human Reproduction, finding quadruple the risk of erectile dysfunction among men exposed to high levels of BPA, the chemical used to make polycarbonate plastics.
BPA has been used to manufacture epoxy resins to line canned foods, is found in baby bottles,plastic containers, and in dental sealants. The new study looked at 634 Chinese factory workers to find the link between sexual dysfunction and BPA exposure. In addition to erectile dysfunction, the researchers found a seven fold increased risk of ejaculation difficulty among the workers after adjusting for age, smoking, marital status and other chronic disease factors, the association between BPA exposure and sexual dysfunction was found to be significantly higher compared to men working in BPA free setting.
The researchers also took into account personal hygiene habits, use of protective equipment, and exposures to other chemicals for the study. However, according to a statement from Polycarbonate/BPA Global Group of the American Chemistry Council (ACC), "With respect to the Chinese workers' exposure, the study authors note that the 'observed association may only apply to highly exposed workers.' Importantly, it was unclear whether the workers in the study uniformly followed accepted worker-protection measures and procedures designed to prevent high-level exposure.”
The study compared 230 workers in Shanghai employed as packagers, technical supervisors, laboratory technicians and maintenance workers in environments with high BPA exposure. As a control, 404 workers were also studied, matched in age, gender and occupational history.
Air sampling, interviews, personal hygiene habits, record review, exposure to other chemicals, and use of protective equipment were taken into account for the study. Urine samples were obtained to measure BPA levels in a subset of employees.
Erectile function, ejaculation capability, sexual desire, and overall satisfaction with sex life were measured using a standard male sexual function inventory to find the link between increased sexual dysfunction associated with high BPA exposure in the workplace.
Sexual dysfunction problems were found to occur within one year of BPA exposure, compared to men in the control group. There was a fourfold increased incidence of erectile dysfunction, and a seven fold increase in ejaculation difficulty among the men working in area with high BPA exposure. The researchers recommend more studies to gauge the effect of lower levels of BPA exposure and sexual dysfunction in men.
Sources: American Chemistry Council
http://www.oxfordjournals.org/news/dep381.pdf
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Comments
the photo that goes with this article is absolutely disgusting!!!!
Melted plastic looks pretty disgusting indeed. Think what it does as it leaches into our environment and how it is ingested by animals and even marine life. It makes you realize how important it is to recycle.
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