Azinphos-methyl and Male Fertility: Exploring the Impact of a Pesticide on Sperm Health

Azinphos-methyl is an agricultural pesticide with controversial effects on sperm quality and male fertility.

Problem

• Human sperm counts have declined significantly over a few generations. Many experts blame environmental factors, such as chemicals in our food. Pesticides used in agriculture are a potential source of toxic chemicals.

History

• Azinphos-methyl is an organophosphate pesticide first used in 1959, primarily on fruit crops. In 2001, the Environmental Protection Agency phased out its use in the United States because of concerns about its safety. However, related organophosphates are still used on crops.

Effects

• Effects of azinphos-methyl and related organophosphates on human sperm are controversial. Levels of azinphos-methyl in food might be too low to affect sperm. In the November 2008 issue of "Environmental Health", Sandra Yucra, Ph.D, found that crop sprayers exposed to organophosphates have less semen, but in contrast to other reports, their sperm quality was normal compared to unexposed men.

Considerations

• The true effects of organophosphates on sperm are unclear. The levels of exposure vary, as do the results of tests for semen and sperm quality. No studies have linked organophosphate exposure to infertility in men.

Prevention

• If you are still worried about the potential effects of toxic chemicals in your diet, eat organic foods, which are pesticide-free.