House dust concentrations of organophosphate flame retardants in relation to hormone levels and semen quality parameters

John D Meeker, Heather M Stapleton, John D Meeker, Heather M Stapleton

Abstract

Background: Organophosphate (OP) compounds, such as tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP) and triphenyl phosphate (TPP), are commonly used as additive flame retardants and plasticizers in a wide range of materials. Although widespread human exposure to OP flame retardants is likely, there is a lack of human and animal data on potential health effects.

Objective: We explored relationships of TDCPP and TPP concentrations in house dust with hormone levels and semen quality parameters.

Methods: We analyzed house dust from 50 men recruited through a U.S. infertility clinic for TDCPP and TPP. Relationships with reproductive and thyroid hormone levels, as well as semen quality parameters, were assessed using crude and multivariable linear regression.

Results: TDCPP and TPP were detected in 96% and 98% of samples, respectively, with widely varying concentrations up to 1.8 mg/g. In models adjusted for age and body mass index, an interquartile range (IQR) increase in TDCPP was associated with a 3% [95% confidence interval (CI), 5% to 1%) decline in free thyroxine and a 17% (95% CI, 432%) increase in prolactin. There was a suggestive inverse association between TDCPP and free androgen index that became less evident in adjusted models. In the adjusted models, an IQR increase in TPP was associated with a 10% (95% CI, 219%) increase in prolactin and a 19% (95% CI, 30% to 5%) decrease in sperm concentration.

Conclusion: OP flame retardants may be associated with altered hormone levels and decreased semen quality in men. More research on sources and levels of human exposure to OP flame retardants and associated health outcomes are needed.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Scatterplot of TDCPP in house dust and serum free T4 (n = 38; r = −0.50; p = 0.002). The inverse relationship remained when one outlying free T4 value (0.88 ng/dL) was excluded from the analysis (r = −0.45, p = 0.005).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Scatterplot of TDCPP in house dust and serum prolactin (n = 38; r = 0.43; p = 0.0007).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Scatterplot of TDCPP in house dust and serum FAI (n = 38; r = 0.24; p = 0.14).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Scatterplot of TPP in house dust and sperm concentration (n = 50, r = 0.33, p = 0.02). The inverse association remained (r = −0.31, p = 0.03) when three men with sperm concentration of < 20 million/mL were excluded from the analysis.

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