Research on endocrine disruptor type effects, when exposed to DiNP in an industrial environment

At INRS, in 2012, a study on the need for epidemiological research in the working environment on endocrine disruptors (reproductive effect) pointed to phthalates (DiNP, DEHP) as a priority class of substances to be examined. It is expected that DiNP (not labelled as dangerous) will replace DEHP (labelled as dangerous) in plastics companies because DEHP will be banned as from 2015 (REACH Regulation). In France, the plastics industry employs 140,000 workers, 58,000 of whom are exposed to phthalates.

The main objective of this epidemiological study is to evaluate the effect of DiNP on plasma concentrations of testosterone (hormone involved in male fertility), and the clinical consequences of such a drop, in plastics workers exposed to that substance compared with non-exposed employees. A longitudinal-type analytical study will be conducted in industry to show a very short term effect on blood testosterone levels of exposure to phthalates, as measured on the basis of urine assays.

The results of this study will help: to set the occupational exposure limit values better; to guide the labelling (CLP Regulation); to protect the most sensitive workers (men of reproductive age); and to act early on pathologies, some of which could be reversible.

Planned dissemination:
The results of this study will be presented at science days and symposia. Publications in peer-reviewed international journals will be proposed as will publications in journals for OSH specialists, in particular French ones.