biohazardThere are occupational hazards that may lead to decreased male fertility, according to researchers from the University of Copenhagen, but research into these toxicants is inconsistent. A recent report published in the journal Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity, addresses two specific chemicals.

Boron and benzene have been shown to affect male fertility, specifically spermatogenesis. A recent Turkish study claims toxic levels of boron shown to affect male fertility in animal studies are not comparable to human toxic levels. Humans do not come in contact with enough boron to affect spermatogenesis, according to the study. However, benzene is a different story. Occupational contact with benzene may cause male fertility problems. Males should be made aware of the potential hazards of working with benzene.

Conclusion: Occupational chemical contact may play an important part in male fertility, but adequate studies do not currently exist to give men and/or physicians a list of chemicals to avoid. Further research is needed.

Source: Bonde JP. Occupational causes of male infertility. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2013 Feb 15.