Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Industrial and Occupational Disease

Introduction: It{u2019}s well known that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exposure increase the risk of cancer; however less is known about its role in adverse affections on male reproductive health. Objective: To assess the effects of occupational exposure to PAHs on male reproductive health. Methods: A group of 45 coal tar workers and another 45 matched control were subjected to standardized self-completed questionnaire to assess erectile dysfunction, estimation of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHPyrene) level in urine, serum malondialdehyde (MDA), semen analysis and serum reproductive hormones level. Results: Statistically significant higher level of 1-OHPyrene, MDA, Testosterone/Estradiol ratio beside lower sperm concentration and motility (grade B) were detected among the exposed workers compared to the control group. Conclusion: Adverse affection of male reproductive health might be one of the hazards that can be attributed to occupational exposure to PAHs in coal tar workers

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