Plastikverpackungen und deren Inhaltsstoffe, insbesondere Bisphenol A und Phthalate, stehen im Verdacht, die Spermienqualität erheblich zu beeinträchtigen.
Global Sperm Crisis: Chemicals in Plastic Endanger Fertility.
An international team of researchers has revealed in a global review that sperm concentrations in semen have been plummeting over the last 50 years. From 1973 to 2018, sperm declined at a rate of 1.2% up to 2000, accelerating to 2.6% annually thereafter.
The alarming finding: Sperm counts have halved, from an average of 99 million sperm per milliliter to just 47 million. This decrease indicates growing challenges in conception within a year.
While poor diet, stress, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and obesity are known factors affecting sperm health, recent research highlights the connection between specific chemical exposures and infertility.
A study led by Andreas Kortenkamp, Professor of Human Toxicology at Brunel University, evaluated for the first time the impact of chemicals found in everyday plastics on sperm concentration and count. The study identified Bisphenol A and its substitutes, phthalates, and polychlorinated dioxins as top offenders. These chemicals can be present in plastic food containers and clothing.
Kortenkamp emphasizes the difficulty of placing the responsibility to avoid these chemicals on individuals, calling for regulatory action, as suggested by the European Food Safety Authority.
To reduce exposure, it is advised to avoid plastic consumer items, especially food packaged in plastic. Research indicates that chemicals can leach into food products. However, Kortenkamp also advocates for regulatory measures, as many of these chemicals are present in everyday items.
The chemical industry and other manufacturers, supported by the FDA, argue that current regulations are sufficient. Activities on an individual level can generate political pressure to achieve stricter regulations.
