Research in Medicine

 Background: Several epidemiologic studies indicate that some paternal occupations are associated with an increased risk of birth defects in offspring. Possible associations between paternal exposures and cardiovascular malformations were evaluated in previous studies.

 Material and methods: The case-control study was performed during an academic year between October 1999 and 2000. All children with the diagnosis of atrial septal defect (ASD) were included in the study. The control group was selected through sex- and age- matched controls and paternal occupations were evaluated among both groups. The effect of exposure to special substances on

 induction of ASD in children were studied.

 Results: During one year, a total of 60 children (27 boys and 33 girls) aged 6 months to 16 years(mean 6.7 years) were admitted with the diagnosis of ASD at pediatric ward. Mother's age was between 15-38 years and father's age was 18-58 years. The study showed that in the case group43.3% (26 of 60) had fathers with occupations having exposed to different materials (painting colors, lead, copper, rubber, and welding material) however, in the control group only 5 patients (8.3%) had fathers with the same condition (OR = 11.9, Cl= 95%: 4.2-33.9).

 Conclusion: The study showed that off springs of fathers who have been exposed to materials such aspaint, metals, rubber, etc during the six-month period prior to the maternal pregnancy are at an increased risk of ASD.