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Pollution Can Damage Male Fertility

Posted on: Wednesday, 28 September 2005, 18:00 CDT

By JULIE WHELDON

MEN trying to become fathers should avoid polluted areas, research suggests.

Scientists revealed that they have found a significant link between exposure to high levels of pollution and sperm damage.

Although the effect is not permanent, the researchers say a couple might find it harder to conceive if the man lives in an area of low air quality.

UK experts last night advised men attempting to start a family to minimise their exposure to hazardous

chemicals at home or at -work.

The study, published in the journal Human Reproduction, was carried out by researchers in the Czech Republic.

They studied 35 men in the district of Teplice where air quality is affected by coal-burning power stations and the use of fossil fuels to heat homes.

Over two years they tested the quality of the men's sperm following exposure to different levels of pollution.

A significant link was found between heavy exposure and damage to the DNA inside sperm.

When the men were exposed to cleaner air, the quality of their sperm improved.

The study's authors said pollution appeared to affect mature sperm late in their development.

This could make it harder for a couple to conceive and increase the risk of miscarriage. Dr Allan Pacey, senior lecturer at the University of Sheffield and Secretary of the British Fertility Society, said: 'We are uncovering more and more evidence that sperm DNA can be damaged by a variety of environmental or occupational factors.

'This is the first real evidence that air pollution can damage sperm DNA but it reassuring that the effect is reversible.

'Men attempting to conceive with their partner need to be alert to what may be damaging their sperm DNA and minimise their exposure to chemicals at home or in the workplace. But they should remember that it takes about three months to produce a sperm so any change they make will take that time to be effective.' A study of Italian motorway toll workers found that traffic pollution damaged the quality of sperm in young and middle-aged men.

Experts generally advise men trying for a family to eat healthily, exercise, stop smoking and reduce alcohol intake.

Source: Daily Mail; London (UK)

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