Study: Chemicals In Soaps, Toys, Sunscreens May Inhibit Sperm

DETROIT (WWJ) - They're chemicals commonly added to everyday products like sunscreen, toothpaste, soaps and even plastic toys — but new research says they may have a harmful effect on fertility.

Danish and German researchers tested 96 of these common and supposedly non-toxic substances and found, about a third of them disrupted the way sperm functioned, affecting their swimming and navigational skills, and their ability to fertilize an egg.

The study focused specifically on chemicals know as endocrine hormone disruptors, or EDCs, that mimic natural hormones in the body.

Scientists also believe the research shows that there was a ‘cocktail effect’ when several chemicals worked together to affect fertility. It's the first research to demonstrate how the chemicals can affect sperm and potentially harm reproduction.

The study author says EDCs in the female reproductive tract might also impair fertility by interfering with the hormonal signal that sperm usually follow to find the egg.

The study appeared in the UK's "Independent." Read more HERE.