Spontaneous abortion in spouses of greenhouse workers exposed to pesticides.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the association between exposure to specific pesticides (including endocrine disrupters) of greenhouse workers and spontaneous abortion in their spouses.

METHODS

A group of exposed workers was compared with a non-exposed group. The risk of spontaneous abortion was evaluated using a logistic regression model.

RESULTS

A significantly higher rate of spontaneous abortion was observed among spouses of workers exposed to specific compounds (atrazine, benomyl-carbendazim, carbaryl and DDT) in comparison with spouses of the unexposed group. The logistic regression model confirmed the increased risk of spontaneous abortion (OR=11.8; 95% CI 2.3-59.6).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that occupational exposure to pesticides might have an adverse effect on the partner's reproductive health.