Male fertility
has been on the decline for at least 40 years, with a 50 percent global
reduction in sperm quality noted from 1938 to 2011
A similar
decline in sperm quality has been observed in dogs living in human
households, with sperm motility declining by 30 percent over a 26-year
period
The
corresponding declines suggest that something in the environment, and
likely in our homes, could be causing the drop in fertility among both
dogs and people
Exposure of
sperm samples to the environmental chemicals diethylhexyl phthalate
(DEHP) and polychlorinated biphenyl 153 (PCB153) led to reduced sperm
motility and increased DNA fragmentation
In separate
research, both sperm motility and DNA fragmentation were influenced by
cellphone exposure, with the cellphone group having decreased sperm
motility and increased DNA fragmentation
Male fertility has been on the decline
for at least 40 years, with a 50 percent global reduction in sperm
quality noted from 1938 to 2011.1
A similar decline in sperm quality has been observed in dogs living in
human households, with sperm motility declining by 30 percent over a
26-year period.2
The corresponding declines suggest that something in the environment,
and likely in our homes, could be causing the drop in fertility among
both dogs and people. In the canine study, the researchers linked
certain environmental chemicals to sperm problems and suggested they
could also be responsible for the sperm quality declines in humans — a
notion supported by a recent study published in Scientific Reports.3
The findings present one likely factor leading to fertility
reductions, but it's not the only one — there are other reasons why
fertility continues to decline as well — namely the pervasive influence
of electromagnetic fields (EMFs).
Environmental Chemicals Linked to Fertility Declines in Dogs and People
Researchers from the University of Nottingham used sperm samples from
11 men and nine dogs from the same U.K. region. They exposed the sperm
to doses of two types of environmental chemicals, diethylhexyl phthalate
(DEHP) and polychlorinated biphenyl 153 (PCB153), currently found in
the environment.
The result was reduced sperm motility and increased DNA
fragmentation. Study author Rebecca Sumner, a developmental biologist at
the University of Nottingham, said in a news release:4
"We know that when human sperm motility is poor, DNA
fragmentation is increased and that human male infertility is linked to
increased levels of DNA damage in sperm. We now believe this is the same
in pet dogs because they live in the same domestic environment and are
exposed to the same household contaminants.
This means that dogs may be an effective model for future
research into the effects of pollutants on declining fertility,
particularly because external influences such as diet are more easily
controlled than in humans."
The researchers believe dogs may act as a “sentinel” for declines in
male fertility and that man-made chemicals used widely in home and work
environments are the likely culprit. A previous study even detected such
chemicals in dog sperm and some dog food.5
Phthalates and PCBs Harming Male Fertility
DEHP is an industrial plasticizing chemical used in vinyl-type
plastics to make them soft and pliable. Unplasticized PVC is hard and
brittle, so the DEHP polymer is added to soften it. You can be exposed
to DEHP through air, water, food, intravenous fluids or skin contact
with DEHP-containing plastics.
Phthalates and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as bisphenol-A
are estrogen mimickers, and when male fetuses are overexposed in utero,
it permanently alters their reproductive system, rendering them less
male and more female. In adults, the more phthalates a man has in his
system, the lower his testosterone level will be, and the lower his sperm count.
PCBs, once heralded for their ability to prevent electrical fires,
have since become known as one of the most toxic and environmentally
persistent chemicals ever created. PCBs have also been linked to
fertility, reproductive and endocrine damage along with neurological
effects, including damage to learning and memory.
The chemicals were used in many manufactured products, from
electrical equipment and plastics to flooring and industrial products,
and although they were banned in 1979, they persist in the environment
today. Other environmental chemicals have also been linked to declines
in fertility, including the endocrine-disrupting chemical ethinyl
estradiol, a synthetic sex hormone found in birth control pills.
When male mice were exposed to the chemical, it led to developmental
problems in the reproductive tract, thereby lowering sperm counts.6 While men do not use birth control pills, they're exposed to them nonetheless through contaminated water and other sources.
Men are also exposed to a number of other endocrine-disrupting
chemicals in their day-to-day lives, thanks to the pernicious use of
endocrine disrupting chemicals in plastics, personal care products and
herbicides such as glyphosate.
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EMFs Likely Involved in Declining Fertility
The researchers have honed in on environmental chemicals as a leading
cause of fertility decline, but there could be an even more pernicious
cause — EMFs. Like environmental chemicals, exposure to EMFs is
widespread, and it could affect both humans and dogs alike, just as the
chemicals did.
In fact, I believe this may be the most significant factor for the
observed decrease in male sperm count. Martin Pall, Ph.D., discovered a
previously unknown mechanism of biological harm from microwaves emitted
by cellphones and other wireless technologies via voltage gated calcium
channels (VGCCs) embedded in your cell membranes.7
VGCCs are activated by microwaves, and when that happens, about 1
million calcium ions per second are released. This massive excess of
intracellular calcium then stimulates the release of nitric oxide (NO)
inside your cell and mitochondria, which combines with superoxide to
form peroxynitrite.
Not only do peroxynitrites cause oxidative damage, they also create
hydroxyl free radicals — the most destructive free radicals known to
man. Hydroxyl free radicals decimate mitochondrial and nuclear DNA,
their membranes and proteins, resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction.
During a 2013 children's health expert panel on cellphone and Wi-Fi
exposures, it was noted, "The testicular barrier, that protects sperm,
is the most sensitive of tissues in the body … Besides sperm count and
function, the mitochondrial DNA of sperm are damaged three times more if
exposed to cellphone radiation."8
Exposure to Cellphone Radiation Decreases Sperm Quality
Writing in Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine,
researchers noted that many in vivo and in vitro studies have revealed
the EMF exposure can alter reproductive function, including sperm
motility, with effects varying according to the frequency, duration of
exposure and strength of EMFs.9
"Humans in modern society cannot avoid various kinds of EMFs during
household and occupational activities, but should be aware of the
biological hazard of EMFs. The effort to avoid EMF exposure and
techniques to protect or relieve EMF radiation are required to preserve
our reproductive potential," they said.10
In a separate study, researchers collected sperm samples from 32 men
and divided them in half. Both groups were placed in a thermostat for
five hours, but one had a cellphone in standby/talk mode placed inside.
Both sperm motility and DNA fragmentation were influenced by the
cellphone exposure, with the cellphone group having decreased sperm
motility and increased DNA fragmentation.11 The researchers noted:
"That is why we consider that men readying themselves for
fatherhood, as well as women wishing to conceive a child, especially
when registered fertility problems are present, should be informed about
the different risks and probably negative direct impact of long-term
mobile phone radiation on semen quality and embryo/fetus development.
Maybe person who could be selected for assisted reproduction
techniques or even sperm donors should avoid this influence during some
time before semen extraction too.
Besides the semen parameters RF-EMR [radiofrequency
electromagnetic radiation] probably could negatively impact on sexual
communication, fertility and quality of life by reducing the erectile
function. Men with erectile dysfunction (ED) use their cell phones
longer those without ED. Men who have ED carry their cell phones
switched on much longer than men who do not have ED."
A systematic review and meta-analysis also looked into the impact of
low-level electromagnetic radiation (EMR) — the type emitted by
cellphones — on sperm quality, both in the lab and among male patients
at fertility clinics. The analysis of 10 such studies showed that
exposure to EMR from cellphones lowered sperm motility by 8 percent and
sperm viability by 9 percent.12
Tips for Protecting Your Fertility
Protecting your fertility is complex, but involves leading a healthy
lifestyle while minimizing your toxic exposures. Everything from
antidepressants13
and inactivity to your dietary choices can affect your fertility. Diets
high in sugar and other carbs lead to men (and women) becoming
increasingly overweight, which also leads to decreased sperm counts.
However, it's extremely important to try to reduce your EMF exposure using the following tips:
Connect your desktop computer to the internet via a
wired connection and be sure to put your desktop in airplane mode. Also
avoid wireless keyboards, trackballs, mice, game systems, printers and
house phones. Opt for the wired versions.
If you must use Wi-Fi, shut it off when not in use,
especially at night when you are sleeping. Ideally it is best to work
toward hardwiring your house so you can turn off the Wi-Fi at all times.
If you have a notebook without any Ethernet ports it is easy to
purchase a USB Ethernet adapter that will allow you to connect to the
internet without a wireless connection.
Shut off the electricity to your bedroom at night.
This typically works to reduce electrical fields from the wires in your
wall unless there is an adjoining room next to your bedroom. If that is
the case you will need to use a meter to determine if you also need to
turn off power in the adjacent room.
Use a battery-powered clock, ideally one without any light. I use a talking clock that I merely press a button to determine the time and never see any light at night.
If you still use a microwave oven, consider
replacing it with a steam convection oven, which will heat your food as
quickly and far more safely. Next to induction stovetop burners,
microwave ovens are likely the largest EMF polluters in your home.
Avoid using "smart" appliances and thermostats that
depend on wireless signaling. This would include all new "smart" TVs.
They are called smart because they emit a Wi-Fi signal, and unlike your
computer, you are unable to shut the Wi-Fi signal off. Consider using a
large computer monitor as your TV, as they don't emit Wi-Fi.
Refuse smart meters as long as you can or add a
shield to an existing smart meter, some of which have been shown to
reduce radiation by 98 to 99 percent.14
Considering moving your baby's bed into your room
instead of using a baby monitor, or use a hard-wired monitor. In any
case avoid any baby monitor that is wireless. There are some wired
options available.
Replace CFL bulbs with incandescent bulbs. Ideally
remove all fluorescent lights from your house. Not only do they emit
unhealthy light, but more importantly they will actually transfer
current to your body just being close to the bulbs.
Avoid carrying your cellphone on your body unless it
is in airplane mode and never sleep with it in your bedroom unless it
is in airplane mode (and especially not under your pillow). Even in
airplane mode it can emit signals, which is why I put my phone in a Faraday bag.
When using your cellphone, use the speaker phone and
hold the phone at least 3 feet away from you. Seek to radically
decrease your time on the cellphone. I probably am down to below 30
minutes a month on my cell, mostly when traveling. Instead use VoIP
software phones that you can use while connected to the internet via a
wired connection.
As for reducing exposure to toxic phthalates and other
endocrine-disrupting chemicals that may decrease sperm quality, you can
do this via the following:
Avoid plastic children's toys. Use toys made of natural substances, such as wood and organic materials.
Read labels on your cosmetics and avoid those containing phthalates.
Avoid products labeled with "fragrance" as this
catch-all term may include hidden phthalates, which are commonly used to
stabilize the scent and extend the life of the product. Avoid air
fresheners.
Use personal care products stored in glass containers.
Read labels looking for PVC-free products, including children's lunch boxes, backpacks and storage containers.
Do not microwave food in plastic containers or covered in plastic wrap.
Frequently vacuum and dust rooms with vinyl blinds,
wallpaper, flooring and furniture that may contain phthalates, as the
chemical collects in dust and is easily ingested by children.
Ask your pharmacist if your prescription pills are coated to control when they dissolve, as the coating may contain phthalates.
Eat mostly fresh, raw whole foods. Packaging is often a source of phthalates.
Buy products in glass bottles instead of plastic or
cans, and use glass baby bottles instead of plastic. Breastfeed
exclusively for the first year if you can to avoid plastic nipples and
bottles all together.
Remove your fruit and vegetables from plastic bags
immediately after coming home from the grocery store and wash them
before storage.
Cash register receipts are heat printed and often
contain BPA. Handle the receipt as little as possible and ask the store
to switch to BPA-free receipts.
Use natural cleaning products or make your own.
Replace feminine hygiene products with safer alternatives.
Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets; make your own to reduce static cling.
Check your home's tap water for contaminants and filter the water if necessary.
Teach your children not to drink from the garden hose, as many are made from plasticizers such as phthalates.
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