Effects on the human male phthalates may lead to a deterioration in the quality of sperm and a decrease in fertility.

This is evidenced by the results of a recent study conducted by the staff of Lund University in Sweden.

Almost every person on our planet regularly contacts with phthalates, which give the plastic the necessary mechanical properties.

In one population study, the CDC found the metabolites of phthalates in almost every American whose researchers took urine samples.

Although the concentration of phthalates in the body of the average person remains much lower than permissible, in the scientific world there is growing confidence that even this can adversely affect health. It is suspected that phthalates are "endocrine disruptors," that is, substances that interfere with the work of hormones and are capable of causing diseases such as obesity or hormone-dependent tumors.

In our case, Swedish scientists found a clear connection between the effect of phthalates on the male body and the low mobility of spermatozoa. This disrupts the ability of cells to move around the female reproductive tract and reduces the likelihood of conception.

Researcher Jonatan Axelsson (Jonatan Axelsson) analyzed urine and sperm samples of 300 healthy volunteers aged 18-20 years. Theoretically at this age the man reaches the peak of his power and his sperm must be of the highest quality. But Axelsson found that with a high content of diethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) in urine, the quality of sperm leaves much to be desired.

If in the lower quartile of participants who were least susceptible to the action of DEHP, the percentage of spermatozoa of categories A and B was on average 57%, in the upper quartile - only 46%. Recall that we are talking about those spermatozoa that are capable of rectilinear movement. According to WHO standards, their share (A + B) should be at least 50% of the total number of cells in the ejaculate.

Axelsson admits that these results are not enough to massively refuse plastic bottles, and calls for additional research. But, according to the scientist, people should know about the presence of the problem and about the possible risk.

Dr. Axelsson's research was published in the journal Environment International.

medbe. en.

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