Chemicals in toothpaste and soap could be behind drop in male fertility, scientists claim
CHEMICALS in toothpaste, soap and plastic toys could be affecting male fertility, scientists have warned.
Researchers have found that around a third of the 'non-toxic' chemicals used in everyday items can dramatically affect the potency of sperm cells, leading to a rise in infertility.
The study is the first to find a direct link between common man-made chemicals and a decline in the potency of human sperm.
Ingredients found in sunscreen, detergents and plastics have been found to render sperm infertile.
Researchers also discovered a 'cocktail effect' which showed the effects were magnified when several chemicals were present.
The study was part of wider research into 'endocrine?disrupting' chemicals that for several years have been linked with declining fertility in men.
The findings are likely to provoke new calls for the banning or restriction of chemicals in certain products.
Professor Niels Skakkebaek, of the Copenhagen University Hospital in Denmark, which carried out the research, said: "For the first time, we have shown a direct link between exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals from industrial products and adverse effects on human sperm function.
"In my opinion, our findings are clearly of concern as some endocrine-disrupting chemicals are possibly more dangerous than previously thought.
"However, it remains to be seen from forthcoming clinical studies whether our findings may explain reduced couple fertility which is very common in modern societies."
