Bisphenol-A damages sperm

The bulk chemical bisphenol-A damages sperm.

(05.08.2010) More and more studies point to the health hazards that can arise from the bulk chemical bisphenol-A. It has now been found that the substance bisphenol-A (BPA) may severely impair sperm quality in males.

The chemical bisphenol-A is found in many plastic items that are used daily. So the chemical substance is mainly used for the production of baby bottles, pacifiers, food packaging, thermal paper, plastic bottles and many other other commodities. Again and again scientists and environmental organizations warn against the use of the harmful chemical. However, regardless of the criticism, manufacturers continue to use BPA. The chemical has a similar effect to the female hormone estrogen and has been suspected for years due to the hormone-like effect, the human genetic material lasting damage.

A University of Michigan study in Ann Arbor (Reproductive Toxicology, 2010; doi: 10.1016 / j.reprotox.2010.07.005) has now shown that bisphenol-A severely affects the quality of male sperm, and during the study, 190 subjects All men had a urine and semen sample and some of the men (78) had two more samples for examination over two months, the researchers examined In addition, the samples were examined for their concentration, motility and shape. In addition, the sperm were examined for possible DNA damage in the sperm cells.

The result was clearly related to bisphenol-A. In 93 percent of the urine samples, the chemical was found. Men who had high BPA concentrations were also found to have a 23 percent lower seed concentration and about 10 percent more DNA damage. Conversely, the results were significantly better for those subjects with little or no BPA traces.

However, the researchers emphasize that because of the small number of study participants, the results should initially be considered provisional. The scientists point out that further large-scale studies are already planned in order to validate the previous results. So could be initially spoken only by a hint. Study author John Meeker: "The study suggests that BPA is negatively impacting at all stages of life." So far, studies have focused almost exclusively on the health problems of unborn and young children. Now there are first indications that the bulk chemical BPA is hazardous to health even in adulthood.

The study also confirms previous animal experiments. In these studies already harmful effects of BPA in sperm in rodents could be detected. According to study authors, the effects are "biologically plausible since BPA has estrogen-like effects." Recently, US researchers reported in the Journal of Andrology (2010; doi: 10.2164 / jandrol.110.010413) about increased erectile dysfunction, impaired libido, and other male sexual problems, who were employed in factories in China, and factories produce the chemical substance "Bisphenol-A".

In Germany, the use is still allowed. The Federal Environment Agency warned only consumers and manufacturers against the use of products containing BPA. Although France, Canada and Denmark have banned the use of the bulk chemical bisphenol-A to manufacture baby bottles and other children's products, the European Food Safety Authority EFSA continues to classify the chemical as "harmless" to the consumer. (Sb)

Also read:
Federal Environmental Agency warns of chemical bisphenol A
Study: Girls getting sexually mature sooner
Chemical bisphenol A found on receipts
Hormone-active chemicals threaten health