Pesticides Reduce Sperm Count
http://mcs-america.org/January2008pg15.htm
MCS America News, Volume 3, Issue 1, January 2008.
If you want a child, researchers say to avoid using pesticides. Pesticides
have contributed to semen reduction over the last few decades, and without
enough semen, the chances of reproducing are slim.
If reproduction is hampered to a large extent, the human race may even be at
risk of extinction. Well, it's not that bad. yet.
University researchers at Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila in Mexico
evaluated the effect of organophosphate pesticides (OP) at three
occupational exposure levels on semen quality by examining the association
between semen and urinary excretion of OP in both exposed and unexposed
workers.
OPs refers to a group of nerve agents used as pesticides that act on the
enzyme acetylcholinesterase by irreversibly inactivating it in the body.
Without acetylcholinesterase nerve function in both insects and mammals.
including human beings, declines. The brain and nervous system can no
longer function properly.
The subjects in the study with the highest OP exposure had the lowest semen
count, as well as the poorest quality semen.
OP poisoning may also occur as a result of inhalation, skin contact, or
ingestion. Children and small pets are especially susceptible to inhalation
and skin contact as they live and play closer to the ground where pesticides
are commonly sprayed.
Symptoms of poisoning include runny nose, muscle twitching, confusion, chest
tightness, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, vomiting, cramps, and
death. Now researches have added low semen count and poor quality semen.
There are steps that can help to reduce exposure, including not using OPs
inside the home and work area. Alternatives include boric acid and keeping
things neat and clean. Many other insect specific alternatives can be
found. Two excellent sources of information about safer pest control are:
The Best Control
http://www.thebestcontrol.com/sitemap.htm
The Bug Stops Here
http://www.thebestcontrol.com/bugstop
The precautionary principal prevails. Avoiding exposure and use of OPs is
the most sensible approach when efficacious alternatives exist.
Reference
Recio-Vega R, Ocampo-Gómez G, Borja-Aburto VH, Moran-Martínez J,
Organophosphorus pesticide exposure decreases sperm quality: association
between sperm parameters and urinary pesticide levels. J Appl Toxicol. 2007
Nov 28,
Copyrighted © 2008 MCS America
