Ethylene Glycol Ethers and Risks of Spontaneous Abortion and Subfertility

Abstract

Potential reproductive effects from occupational exposures to ethylene glycol ethers (EGE) are of concern since these organic solvents have been used widely in industry, and their reproductive toxicity has been well documented in animal studies. For determination of whether occupational exposure to EGE was associated with increased risks of spontaneous abortion and subfertility (i.e., taking more than 1 year of unprotected intercourse to conceive), a retrospective cohort study was conducted among workers at two semiconductor manufacturing plants in the eastern United States in 1980-1989 as part of a larger evaluation of reproductive health. Reproductive and occupational histories were obtained from interviews of semiconductor manufacturing workers and spouses. Assessment of potential exposure to mixtures containing EGE (none, low, medium, and high) was based on reported processes and company records. There were 1,150 pregnancies to semiconductor manufacturers, 561 to female employees and 589 to wives of male employees. Among female manufacturers, potential exposure to mixtures containing EGE was associated with increased risks of spontaneous abortion (relative risk in the high exposure group = 2.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4-5.6) and subfertility (odds ratio in the high exposure group = 4.6; 95% CI 1.6-13.3). Both of these risks exhibited a dose-response relation with potential EGE exposure (p for trend = 0.02). Among spouses of male manufacturers potentially exposed to mixtures containing EGE, there was no increased risk of spontaneous abortion, but there was a nonsignificant increased risk of subfertility (odds ratio in the high exposure group = 1.7; 95% CI 0.7-4.3).

Short-chain fatty acids enhance nuclear receptor activity through mitogen-activated protein kinase activation and histone deacetylase inhibition

“…A particular concern in this regard is the prevalence of occupational exposure to EGME͞MAA in the semiconductor and painting industries, which has been associated with anovulation, spontaneous abortion, and spermatocyte depletion (31,32). Reports have estimated that 130,000 workers in the U.S. were potentially exposed to EGME between the years of 1981-1983 and that EGME production in 1991 was estimated at 80 million lb per year (33).…”

Chemical exposure during pregnancy and oral clefts in newborns

“…Such associations were not altered when stratified by maternal age, area of residence, and socioeconomic status. Glycol ether is associated with increased incidence of spontaneous abortion and decreased fertility and is a common ingredient in products widely used in domestic cleaning activities (Correa et al, 1996). Bianchi et al (1997) comment that the literature suggests an association between oral clefts and exposure among health workers like physicians and maintenance/repair personnel.…”

Work-related Reproductive, Musculoskeletal and Mental Disorders among Working Women-History, Current Issues and Future Research Directions.

“…Pregnancy outcome: Increased abortions in parents of textile workers 17) , semiconductor workers exposed to ethylene glycol 18,19) and workers exposed to organic solvents [20][21][22] have been reported. The number of fetuses small for gestational age was reported to increase among working women exposed to organic solvents 23) and hair dressers 24) .…”