In recent decades, there has been a significant decline in the quality of semen among healthy men, correlating with an increase in male infertility rates. The evidence points towards a connection with lifestyle habits and current environmental pollution. Now, in collaboration with the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA) of the Spanish Research Council (CSIC), TecnATox researchers have developed an innovative method to directly detect organic contaminants in sperm. The study has been led by Dr. Pablo Gago-Ferrero, and it involved the participation of Elena Sánchez-Resino, PhD student of TecnATox, and Dr. Montse Marquès.
Published in Environmental Science & Technology, the study involved semen samples from 10 men and revealed the presence of plastic additives such as phthalates or bisphenols. These substances pose potential risks to human health, along with chemical additives added to tires, industrial perfluoroalkylated compounds or surfactants, among others.
This evidence underscores the need for stricter legislation regarding the marketing and use of these compounds. Such measures are essential to safeguard the health of the population.
