Consequences of exposure to organophosphate esters found in the Canadian environment on male and female reproductive health
Consequences of exposure to organophosphate esters found in the Canadian environment on male and female reproductive health
Our听research focuses on a major group of chemicals derived from consumer products, the organophosphate esters (OPEs),听that is in rapidly increasing use. We are testing the hypothesis that exposure to these听compounds is associated with adverse effects on the male and/or female reproductive听systems. We are using cells with key endocrine functions to identify genes and pathways that听are disrupted by OPEs and may serve as biomarkers of their effects on fertility. Using an听animal model we are elucidating听the effects of exposure to the mixture of OPEs found in听Canadian house dust on male and female fertility. Finally, we are assessing the association of听human OPE body burden with female and male infertility. These studies are enhancing听our听understanding of the health consequences of exposure to a family of widely used chemicals听for which we currently have very limited data. In addition, we expect that they will contribute to听the development of policies to ensure the identification of alternative chemicals that are safer听and have a reduced environmental impact prior to their use as replacements.
Barbara Hales (PI), Cindy Goodyer and Bernard Robaire (Co-PIs)
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This research project is supported by:
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