Effects of Occupational Exposure to VAT Dye on Fertility and Pregnancy Outcome of Women Dye Users

Abstract

Textile dye exposure has been associated with diverse health disorders among which are infertility and adverse pregnancy outcome. Several such dyes exist in commerce; an example of which is vat dye. It is not known if occupational exposure to vat dyes as used by textile dyers in Abeokuta is associated with adverse reproductive outcomes. The present study was therefore conducted to investigate the influence of occupational vat dye exposure on fertility and adverse pregnancy outcome of dye users, by comparison with individuals not occupationally exposed. Biodata, occupational, reproductive and lifestyle characteristics were collected through interviewer administered questionnaire. The minimum duration of exposure was two years, mean age of the exposed participants was 32.5±8.1 years, and that of the unexposed was observed to be 37.7±5.9 years. Prevalence of Infertility, Miscarriage, and Low Birth Weight among the exposed versus the unexposed were 40.5%, 27% and 9.1% versus 35.5%, 22.6% and 0.0% respectively. These Percentages were higher in the exposed but no significant association was observed between Infertility, miscarriage, low birth weight and occupational exposure to vat dyes in the context of this study. Occupational exposure to vat dyes used by textile dyers in Abeokuta is not associated with significant adverse reproductive outcomes. This study, being retrospective type, could have been limited by recall bias. It is therefore recommended that a Prospective Study of this population be conducted and on a larger scale which may involve multiple study centers