DBCP males

Teramoto S, Saito R, Aoyama H, et al. 1980. Dominant lethal mutation induced in male rats by 1 2 Dibromo-3-chloro propane (DBCP). Mutat Res 77 71-78. 

The reproductive systems of both males and females can be harmed by particular chemicals. In males certain chemicals cause the testes to atrophy and reduce or eliminate their capacity to produce sperm. Particularly striking in this regard is a now banned but once widely used pesticide called DBCP, residues of which persist in ground water supplies in a few regions of the country. Its pronounced impact on spermatogenesis is readily detectable in experimental animals and, unfortunately, has also been observed in some men once occupation-ally exposed to large amounts. The heavy metal cadmium is another substance effective at reducing sperm production. 

Toxicology. 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) is a mild central nervous system depressant and causes sterility in male workers due to a selective effect on seminiferous tubules. 

DBCP has caused oligospermia and asper-mia in male workers. Initial documentation of these effects occurred in workers engaged in the production of DBCP at an agricultural chemical plant in Lathrop, California. Of 27... 

Male exposure to DCBP has also been associated with an increased frequency of spontaneous abortions in wives of exposed workers, but congenital abnormalities have not been reported among children of workers who received sufficient DBCP exposure to induce oligospermia. ... 

Chemicals can also directly affect male reproductive organs or sperm. Decreased sperm count, decreased sperm motility, or abnormalities can result in male sterility or reduced fertility. For example, occupational exposure to lead can result in infertility due to sperm abnormalities. Male sterility can also result from exposure to the fungicide dibromochloropropane (DBCP). Drugs or chemicals, such as... 

Generoso, W.M., Cain, K.T. Hughes, L.A. (1985) Tests for dominant-lethal effects of 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) in male and female mice. Mutat. Res.. 156, 103-108 George, E., Wootton, A.K. Gatehouse, D.G. (1990) Mieronueleus induction by azobenzene and... 

In addition to the abovementioned agents, DBCP and formaldehyde have been tested. DBCP is strongly positive, whereas formaldehyde is negative in males with known inhalation exposure to these compounds. 

The acute oral LD50 of DBCP in male rats and guinea pigs is 150-300 mg kg The dermal LD50 is >lgkg. DBCP acts as a central nervous system depressant at high vapor concentrations. 

Reproductive Toxins Agents that affect the reproductive capabilities, causing, for example, chromosomal damage (mutations) and effects on fetuses (teratogenesis). Reproductive toxins may affect both females and males. Examples of these agents include lead and DBCP, which can lead to birth defects or sterility. 

Agricultural anthelmintics. Nematodes can impoverish soil and attack roots. i,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) ( Nemagon ) is a volatile nematocide used to rid soil of these undesirable worms. Plants are remarkably tolerant of it, but it has been suspected of suppressing spermatogenesis in the adult human male. 

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