By Dr. Joseph Mercola | mercola.com
Two chemicals used in making plastics could be contributing to a 50% drop in human sperm counts, according to new research. The study, conducted on both dog and human sperm, showed that diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and polychlorinated biphenyl 153 (PCB153) not only damage sperm DNA but reduce sperm motility.
DEHP is used to increase plastics’ pliability, and PCB153 is often found in older plastics and electrical equipment.
The study sample size (nine samples from humans and 11 from dogs) was small, but researchers said it still adds credence to the idea that chemicals in your environment can disrupt sperm quality. This is concerning since sperm cell counts have dwindled in the past 50 years by as much as half; human sperm cells have also either slowed down or had genetic defects.
According to Dr. Hagai Levine of the Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Public Health in Israel, these changes are an “indicator that there is something very wrong in our modern environment or lifestyle.” Some of the reasons why sperm cell counts are falling include:
- Endocrine disruptors — Usually found in plastic bottles, metal food cans, toys, pesticides, cosmetics and detergents, these chemicals can block testosterone production and its effects on the body.
- Unhealthy lifestyle habits — Obesity, smoking, recreational drug use, alcohol consumption and high-stress periods can all affect sperm quality, too.
This is concerning because disrupted sperm health may put men at risk for other health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and death. University of Copenhagen professor and Rigshospitalet senior researcher Niels Skakkebæk also noted that poor sperm quality can raise a man’s chances of being diagnosed with testicular cancer and having congenital reproductive defects such as undescended testicles.
But if you think the dangers are limited only to men, expectant moms, be aware: These sperm and reproductive health problems can start during pregnancy if you’re frequently exposed to harmful environmental chemicals.
Taking steps to minimize contact with these substances is crucial. You can read this article to learn how hormone-disrupting chemicals can find their way in your home and how to avoid them.
