Elsevier

Reproductive Toxicology

Volume 12, Issue 2, March–April 1998, Pages 91-95
Reproductive Toxicology

Original contribution
Semen quality and sex hormones with reference to metal welding

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0890-6238(97)00156-1Get rights and content

Abstract

Welding may involve hazards to the male reproductive system, but previous studies of semen quality have produced inconsistent results. We studied the effects of welding on markers of semen quality in a Danish nationwide sample of 430 first-time pregnancy planners without earlier reproductive experience. Couples were recruited among members of the union of metal workers and three other trade unions and were followed from termination of birth control until pregnancy for a maximum of six menstrual cycles. The males provided semen samples in each cycle. Median sperm density for welders was 56 × 106/mL (52.5 × 106/mL and 50.0 × 106/mL in two reference groups). No statistically significant differences attributable to welding were found in proportions of morphologically normal sperm, sperm motility assessed by computer-aided sperm analysis, or sex hormones (testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone). These negative findings may not apply to populations with high-level exposure to welding fume or to welders exposed to other putative hazards, e.g., heat.

References (20)

There are more references available in the full text version of this article.

Cited by (51)

  • Assessment of sexual hormones in foundry workers exposed to heat stress and electromagnetic fields

    2021, Reproductive Toxicology
    Citation Excerpt :

    In many animal and human studies, the effects of EMF radiation on testosterone have been inconclusive at best [25]. Some studies conducted on humans have shown that exposure to EMFs does not lead to changes in testosterone levels among men [27,50]. Some studies on animals have reported that exposure to EMFs can cause reduced testosterone levels [21,24,28] while others report increased testosterone levels [29].

  • Occupational exposure to chemicals and reproductive health

    2011, Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology
  • Male reprotoxic risk in the building-trade sector

    2010, Archives des Maladies Professionnelles et de l'Environnement
View all citing articles on Scopus
View full text