Evaluation of Biological and Male Reproductive Function Responses to Potential Lead Exposures in 155 mm Howitzer Crewmen
Abstract
A collaborative pilot study between the U.S. Army Biomedical Research and Development Laboratory and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health was designed to assess fecundity of male artillery soldiers with potential exposures to airborne lead aerosols. Many soldiers in the initial control population reported possible job-related microwave exposure as radar equipment operators. As a result, a third group of soldiers without potential for lead or microwave exposure, but with similar duty-associated environmental exposure conditions, was selected as a comparison population. Blood hormone levels and semen analyses were conducted on artillerymen (n=30), radar equipment operators (n=20), and the comparison group (n=31). Analysis of the questionnaire information revealed that concern about fertility problems motivated participation of some soldiers with potential artillery or microwave exposures. Data analysis was complicated by the small study population size and the confounding variable of perceived infertility. Although the small number of subjects and infertility concerns somewhat compromise the statistical power and general applicability of the study, several statistically significant findings were identified.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA247384
Entities
People
- Timothy B. Weyandt
Organizations
- United States Army Biological Warfare Laboratories