8292519 Workplace exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and circulating sex hormones: evidence from the UK biobank

<h3>Objective</h3> Determine the relationship between occupational exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and serum concentrations of total and free estradiol and testosterone. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> A cross-sectional study was nested in the UK Biobank (n=228,127). Total estradiol and testosterone concentrations (nmol/L) were measured at baseline, and free hormones were calculated. Occupational exposure to 10 EDC groups was estimated using a job-exposure matrix and classfied as ‘Unexposed’, ‘Possibly exposed’ or ‘Exposed.’ Multivariable linear regression was used to estimate β coefficients and 95%CI, stratified by sex and menopausal status. <h3>Results</h3> Occupational exposure to EDCs was not associated with total estradiol levels. Among pre-menopausal women, possible exposure to phthalates was associated with lower free estradiol. In men, free testosterone was lower with possible exposure to PAHs, pesticides, phthalates, organic solvents, alkylphenolic compounds, and metals, and with exposure to pesticides and organic solvents; while exposure to PAHs was associated with increased free testosterone concentration. Results for possible exposure to PAHs and metals were replicated in total testosterone among men. In pre-menopausal women, total testosterone was negatively associated with possible exposure to pesticides and exposure to metals, with free testosterone also decreasing with metal exposure. Among post-menopausal women, exposure to phthalates was associated with lower total testosterone, and possible exposure to organic solvents was associated with decreased free testosterone. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Occupational exposure to certain EDC groups was associated with a reduction in testosterone concentration. Acknowledgements: This research was funded by the CIHR Sex and Gender Science Chair in Cancer Research.