Recent Study Finds Link Between Pesticides and Low Fertility in Males
By Danielle Briones
Published on July 22, 2005
When pregnant rats were exposed to herbicide or pesticide, they produced male offspring with sperm counts that were 20 percent lower than normal. The quality of the sperm was also reduced.
Scientists found that the poor quantity and quality of the sperm was passed down the male line. They believe the pesticides may have altered the way genes work.
Michael Skinner, the leader of the research team that conducted the study, believes the findings suggest that toxins may play more of a role in heritable diseases -- and pose more of a hazard to humans -- than was previously thought.
Keyword Tags: