Paint Chemicals may Harm Male Fertility

Men who are regularly exposed to chemicals found in paint are more likely to have fertility problems, new research indicates.

The UK study of over 2,000 men attending 14 fertility clinics found a 250% increase in sperm motility problems among men who worked with glycol ethers such as painters and decorators. Sperm motility (the sperm’s ability to move) is an important factor in overall fertility.

On the plus side, the Occupational and Environment Medicine study found that a wide range of other common workplace chemicals pose no risk to a man’s fertility.

"Infertile men are often concerned about whether chemicals they are exposed to in the workplace are harming their fertility. Therefore it is reassuring to know that on the whole, the risk seems to be quite low," said Dr Allan Pacey, a fertility specialist from Sheffield University.

Posted Thursday 5th June 2008