2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid residues in semen of Ontario farmers.
Although paternal exposures to environmental toxicants probably play a role in adverse pregnancy outcomes, few data are available on the extent of this exposure. One semen and two 24-h urine samples were collected from 97 Ontario farmers who had recently used the phenoxy herbicides 2,4-D (2.4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) and/or MCPA ([4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyl acetic acid). Both samples were analyzed for 2,4-D using an immunoassay-based technique. Approximately 50% of the semen samples had detectable levels of 2, 4-D (> or =5.0 pph (ng/mL)). Semen levels of 2.4-D were correlated more closely with the second of the two urine samples. Although several studies have measured 2.4-D in the urine of applicators, this study is the first to attempt to measure 2,4-D levels in semen. As these pesticides can be excreted in the semen, they could be toxic to sperm cells and be transported to the woman and developing embryo/fetus. Further research is needed to understand how pesticide handling practices can affect semen pesticide residues and the relationship between the levels observed and reproductive health.
Arbuckle
T E
TE
Bureau of Reproductive and Child Health, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario.
Schrader
S M
SM
Cole
D
D
Hall
J C
JC
Bancej
C M
CM
Turner
L A
LA
Claman
P
P
D015084:2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid / Q000032:analysis* / Q000652:urine; D008456:2-Methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic Acid / Q000032:analysis / Q000652:urine; D000328:Adult; D000383:Agriculture; D015331:Cohort Studies; D017280:Condoms; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006540:Herbicides / Q000032:analysis* / Q000652:urine; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D010573:Pesticide Residues / Q000032:analysis* / Q000652:urine; D012661:Semen / Q000737:chemistry*
D006540:Herbicides; D010573:Pesticide Residues; D015084:2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid; D008456:2-Methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic Acid