Multi-factorial influences on sex ratio: a spatio-temporal investigation of endocrine disruptor pollution and neighborhood stress

Citation

McDonald E, Watterson A, Tyler A, McArthur J & Scott EM (2014) Multi-factorial influences on sex ratio: a spatio-temporal investigation of endocrine disruptor pollution and neighborhood stress. International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, 20 (3), pp. 235-246. https://doi.org/10.1179/2049396714Y.0000000073

Abstract
Background: It is suggested the declining male birth proportion in some industrialized countries is linked to ubiquitous endocrine disruptor exposure. Stress and advanced parental age are determinants which frequently present positive findings. Multi-factorial influences on population sex ratio are rarely explored or tested in research. Objectives: To test the hypothesis that dual factors of pollution and population stress affects sex proportion at birth through geographical analysis of Central Scotland. Methods: The study incorporates the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) tools to overlay modeled point source endocrine disruptor air emissions with "small-area" data on multiple deprivation (a proxy measurement of stress) and birth sex. Historical review of regional sex ratio trends presents additional data on sex ratio in Scotland to consider. Results: There was no overall concentration in Central Scotland of low sex ratio neighborhoods with areas where endocrine disruptor air pollution and deprivation or economic stress were high. Historical regional trends in Scotland (from 1973), however, do show significantly lower sex ratio values for populations where industrial air pollution is highest (i.e. Eastern Central Scotland). Conclusions: Use of small area data sets and pollution inventories is a potential new method of inquiry for reproductive environmental and health protection monitoring and has produced interesting findings

Keywords
Sex ratio; Male births; Endocrine disruption; Reproductive health; Air pollution; Multiple deprivation; Neighborhood stress; Maternal age

Journal
International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health: Volume 20, Issue 3

People

Professor Andrew Tyler

Scotland Hydro Nation Chair, Biological and Environmental Sciences