ABSTRACT
Introduction and objectives: There has been recently growing concern about the possible effect of environmental agents on male reproductive health. A number of studies have reported reduced semen quality among men occupationally exposed to chemicals. This study was carried out to determine the influence of occupational exposure to benzene on male reproductive function
Settings and participants: In gasoline service stations located in El-Minia governorate, a total of 88 gasoline distributor workers, aged between 24 and 52 years [33.51+/-5.72], were included in this study. Participants were exposed to benzene with duration of exposure varied from l to 28 years [8.57+/-5.39]
Methods: After complete history taking and physical examination with measuring the size of both testes, semen analyses were performed to all participants. In addition, we measured morning sample serum testosterone and follicular stimulating hormones. We analyzed the available data and studied the correlation between semen analysis parameters and hormonal profile, and the duration of exposure to benzene
Results: According to World Health Organization standardization, 31.8% of participants had abnormal semen parameters. The most evident abnormal semen characteristics include reduction in sperm concentration, motility, normal morphological forms, and the semen volume. The duration of exposure correlates with the declined quality of seminal variables after 5 years regarding sperm motility and concentration and after 7 years regarding sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and the seminal volume
Conclusion: Occupational exposure to benzene could adversely interfere with the human reproduction and fertility