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Infertility and Insecticides
July 11, 2008 |
Each year thousands of gallons of pesticides and insecticides are sprayed onto
Lee County landscapes. Dr. Craig Sweet is a reproductive endocrinology and
infertility specialist. He says, “When we’re speaking of herbicides, pesticides,
and insecticides certainly many of those will interfere with the reproduction of
any of the organisms they’re aimed at. Might humans also get hit by some of
those same medications? The answer is yes.”
While the chemicals do their part in protecting us from mosquitoes and other
pests, research shows the exposure could also be linked to infertility issues in
men and women. “The concern is that the environmental toxins can influence
reproduction and there are certainly instances where that is the case,” says Dr.
Sweet. But right now it seems there is no simple way to test the levels of
chemical exposure in a patient who may be concerned about a risk of infertility.
“I really have no easy way to draw blood on them and to send it somewhere and to
find out what their levels are.”
Dr. Sweet adds that it’s important to find ways to reduce your risk of being
exposed to environmental chemicals especially if you work with or around the
toxins often. “People that are working with insecticides and pesticides - wear
protective clothing and to minimize exposure protective gear is important that
would go for both men and women.” Men who often work with heavy metals are more
likely to develop sperm abnormalities and sperm production. |
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