Concentrations of urinary biomarkers of non-persistent environmental pollutants among 316 Polish men - patients of infertility clinic.

摘要

Aim The major aim of this study was to assess exposure to non-persistent environmental pollutants among fertile men, patients of infertility clinic. Methods The study population consisted of 316 men who were attending an infertility clinic in Lodz, Poland for diagnostic purposes and who had normal semen concentration of 15- 300mln/mL Methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl- and isobutyl- parabens, 3,5,6-trichloro-2- pyridinol, 4-nonylphenol, 1- and 2-naphthols, benzophenone-3, triclosan and bisphenol-A were determined in urine samples by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC- MS/MS). Results Naphthols, 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol, benzophenone-3, methyl paraben and bisphenol A were detected in over 95% of the samples. 4-nonylphenol was not detected in any sample (LOD=0.5 ng/mL). Most of the studied biomarkers were present at levels observed in other populations over the world. Slightly higher levels of urinary naphthols in Polish men in comparison to other populations in Europe might be a result of air pollution and exposure to polycyclic hydrocarbons. Conclusion This is the first study to document widespread exposure to a number of environmental chemicals among Polish men. Further studies are needed especially to confirm the high exposure to naphthalene and identify possible sources of exposure.