Infertile sunscreen chemicals in UV filters can damage sperm

New study: Sunscreen can affect sperm function
Danish researchers have found that sunscreen chemicals can interfere with male sperm function. Even in small amounts, the UV filters can be harmful. The scientists described the results as worrying.

UV filters in sunscreen can disturb sperm
Dermatologists should not save on sunscreen when sunscreening. For men, however, this advice does not always seem appropriate. As researchers from the University of Copenhagen have found out, in sunscreen, UV filters already in low doses can interfere with sperm function. In addition, some chemical UV filters act similar to the female sex hormone progesterone. This hormone is used worldwide to prevent premature birth, but new studies show that it has no significant benefit. As the Danish scientists said, their results are worrying. Experts are calling for more chemical testing before products are approved.

Dermatologists recommend creaming well in the summer to protect against sunburn. However, chemicals contained in sunscreen can interfere with male sperm. (Image: tunedin / fotolia.com)

Several allowed sunscreens tested
Sun creams usually contain chemical, sometimes mineral filter substances that absorb or reflect the UV radiation and thus protect the skin. Frequently, several filter substances are combined, and in some sunscreens, nanoparticles such as nano-titanium dioxide are now being used. Researchers led by Niels Skakkebaek at the University of Copenhagen in their study, as shown in a communication published on the Endocrine Society website, tested 29 of the 31 UV stabilizers allowed in Europe and the US for sunscreens on human sperm worked. They found that 13 of these disrupted sperm function by altering their ion balance.

Effect at very low doses
According to the information, the chemical substances activated a channel in the cell membrane of the germ cells, which led to a strong, premature calcium influx. Normally, this does not take place until the sperm has reached the ovum. If this happens too soon, the "push" will be missed later and fertilization can not take place. This effect occurred, according to Skakkebaek already at very low doses. It is already known from previous studies that at least some of the chemical UV filters are absorbed by the skin and can subsequently be detected both in the blood and in the urine. In addition, older studies have shown that plasticizers can affect the genome. A study by a German-Danish research group showed that substances used in suntan lotion and toothpaste, among others, can damage male sperm.

Researchers express their concern
As the scientists found in the current study, the adverse effect on nine of the 13 sperm-busting UV filters is that the chemicals act like the female sex hormone progesterone. According to the researchers, this suggests that these agents are endocrine disruptors - chemicals that have a hormone-like effect. Among the 13 complained UV filters include the chemical compounds octyl salicylate, avobenzone, octocrilene, octinoxate, oxybenzone (also known as benzophenone-3) and Padimat-O, which are widely used in sun creams as well as in cosmetics and lipsticks with UV protection are included. "These findings raise concern and may partially explain why medically unexplained infertility is so prevalent," said Skakkebaek. "Our study suggests that competent authorities should better investigate the effects of UV filters on fertility prior to approval." (Ad)