Adult men who have been exposed to two of the most common types of insecticides have lower sperm quality (lower sperm concentration) than average. This is indicated by a new scientific study in which data from 25 investigations carried out in various parts of the planet during the last 50 years have been reviewed. It is not the first time that semen quality has been linked to insecticide pollution in men, but the research now published (in the journal Environmental ) is the most extensive review of relational studies presented in this matter to date.
The authors of this review (a study of what experts call qualitative systematic reviews) conclude that they have found a statistically “strong association” between exposure to the types of insecticides studied and lower sperm concentration in adult men worldwide . The team is led by Melissa J. Perry, Dean of the Faculty of Public Health at George Mason University (United States).
“Understanding how insecticides affect sperm concentration in humans is fundamental given their ubiquity in the environment and the documented reproductive risks. Insecticides are a concern for public health and for all men, who are exposed mainly through the consumption of contaminated water and food”, explained Lauren, co-author of the study, in statements released by her university.
The team reviewed nearly five decades of human studies on the health impacts of exposure to two widely used classes of insecticides (organophosphates and N-methyl carbamates), and found consistent associations with a concentration lower sperm count in adult men. “This review is the most comprehensive to date on male fertility and reproductive health. The available evidence has reached a point where we need to take regulatory action to reduce exposure to insecticides,” says Dr. Perry. The research team systematically reviewed 25 human studies of occupational and environmental insecticide exposure conducted over nearly 50 years. “The results of the study show solid evidence of the association between a higher exposure to insecticides in adults and a lower sperm concentration”, emphasizes Dr. Rocío Núñez, embryologist, scientific director, in statements collected and disseminated by SMC Spain from the UR International Group and professor in the Reproduction master’s program at the Complutense University and the Spanish Fertility Society.
“Although there are currently many works that show a decline in the number of sperm globally, other studies have not shown any differences. However, there does seem to be agreement on the fact that there are geographical differences in sperm concentration in various populations and in different countries”, says this expert.
“One of the possible causes that has been studied is environmental differences, and although there are isolated studies that prove an association between the use of insecticides and low semen quality, there are no such extensive works that include both of time and with a sufficiently high number of cases.
The demonstration, in view of these studies, of the association between a lower sperm concentration and the use of insecticides, especially from an occupational point of view, can explain the differences found in the literature. Numerous experts have warned about the impacts on reproductive health of insecticides and other pesticides that are used in agriculture and gardening (and that eventually reach people), so they have requested that their use be limited use
