Endocrine disruptors are prevalent in our environment, including many of the skin and hair care products that are applied to and left on our bodies. Now emerging are esthetician groups and manufacturers who are aware of this problem and making and using products without endocrine disruptors. In the larger view, understanding our exposome is key to understanding our health. In my field of study, neurodegeneration, diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinsons are not genetic, herditary diseases, but are mutlifactorial, including a strong component of exposure to environmental toxins. Mr. Kristof's important article is one more example of why a strong EPA is needed more than ever before in our advancing industrial world full of more and new kinds of chemicals.
119
It might be illuminating to study if this is a greater problem in developed nations than in the less developed nations. If it is true, then sperm would be at a greater disadvantage living in a wealthy society surrounded by plastics, cosmetics, synthetics and pesticides than would be true living in a more disadvantaged society. You might have a longer life expectancy, but a lower reproductive expectancy. Yes?
18
Very troubling. Thank you Nicholas Kristof.
As an environmentalist, deeply concerned with overpopulation, climate change and the sixth extinction, this new information adds fuel to the fire. I recommend Dan Brown's new novel, "Inferno," for a fun introduction into the serious issues of overpopulation. Edward O Wilson, the Harvard entomologist, has written that in the next 80 years we will likely lose 80% of the world's species. I wonder why this isn't front page news everyday.
Maybe chemically caused sick male sperm is the magic disease the earth needs, to save the world, and its thousands of species, from the Anthropocene. To drag the sick comedy further, perhaps we should support more endocrine disrupting chemicals, since as the crazed scientist in "Inferno" argues effectively, we have to get rid of about 4 billion humans, if we want to save life on this planet as we have know it. Real scientists are saying similar things.
As an environmentalist, deeply concerned with overpopulation, climate change and the sixth extinction, this new information adds fuel to the fire. I recommend Dan Brown's new novel, "Inferno," for a fun introduction into the serious issues of overpopulation. Edward O Wilson, the Harvard entomologist, has written that in the next 80 years we will likely lose 80% of the world's species. I wonder why this isn't front page news everyday.
Maybe chemically caused sick male sperm is the magic disease the earth needs, to save the world, and its thousands of species, from the Anthropocene. To drag the sick comedy further, perhaps we should support more endocrine disrupting chemicals, since as the crazed scientist in "Inferno" argues effectively, we have to get rid of about 4 billion humans, if we want to save life on this planet as we have know it. Real scientists are saying similar things.
63
I agree fully with David. It's not about manhood or plastics or Trump, it's about overpopulation.
Thanks to you, NK, for this thought-provoking essay.
Thanks to you, NK, for this thought-provoking essay.
34
Yet another way in which our collective obsession with plastic containers/bags is harming us. No government yet has been willing to restrict the rampant use of plastics. And you would have to be deluded to expect the present government to do anything about this serious issue.
38
"What’s needed above all is more aggressive regulation of endocrine disrupting chemicals"
Good luck with that! DT and the Reps will make sure that never happens!
Good luck with that! DT and the Reps will make sure that never happens!
27
better things for better living through chemistry.
gigantic disruptions through greed and selfishness.
ps: do they try to regulate where intersex fish relieve themselves?
gigantic disruptions through greed and selfishness.
ps: do they try to regulate where intersex fish relieve themselves?
17
Our planet has become so polluted because there are so many of us. Perhaps this is merely Mother Earth fighting back
21
So many of us? So many Americans, you mean? I don't think Africans use a lot of endocrine disrupters.
10
Nicholas,
Can we learn from the tipping point" of "Big Tobacco's" battle against regulation of smoking by figuring out the "tipping point" in the success of that campaign & applying it to the current case of "endocrine disruptors" ?
If company "A", hires lobbyist "B", to persuade by contributing to the campaign of, Senator "C", what would be the corresponding action needed to diffuse this "persuasion" method ?
Can we learn from the tipping point" of "Big Tobacco's" battle against regulation of smoking by figuring out the "tipping point" in the success of that campaign & applying it to the current case of "endocrine disruptors" ?
If company "A", hires lobbyist "B", to persuade by contributing to the campaign of, Senator "C", what would be the corresponding action needed to diffuse this "persuasion" method ?
14
Here's yet another ill that can be placed 100% at the door of Republicans. We need more government regulation of industry, not less--especially of the chemical industry, which is apparently willing to poison us all for the sake of a profit.
58
"Swan said she avoids plastics as much as possible, including food or drinks that have touched plastic or been heated in plastic. She recommends eating organic to avoid pesticide residues, and avoiding Tylenol and other painkillers during pregnancy.
Ms. Swan could have added this information:
People who dump unused prescription meds in the trash or flush them contribute to pollution. Check the water supply: it has antibiotics, hormones, birth control meds, and pain meds just to mention a few. We all drink and cook with those meds that are in our water. How many people take unused meds to their pharmacy for proper disposal?
Studies in Australia, the USA, and European nations have shown the effects of marijuana on IQ when consumed from teen-to-30-something and on changes in sperm quality, quantity, and motility. Yet state after state is (or has) legalized marijuana. Why? Colorado's marijuana sales were $1 billion and the state gets 15% of total sales. Money vs health: money wins.
We eat food that is high in fat, including junk food and fast food. The teens who eat fruits and vegetables are outnumbered by their peers, who think french fries are vegetables.
The USA is about 5% of the world's population yet consumes 80 - 85% of the pain medications consumed in the entire world. The number of pregnant women who take narcotic pain meds is high - it should be zero.
Yes, sperm are in trouble......along with the entire bodies of far too many young men and women.
Ms. Swan could have added this information:
People who dump unused prescription meds in the trash or flush them contribute to pollution. Check the water supply: it has antibiotics, hormones, birth control meds, and pain meds just to mention a few. We all drink and cook with those meds that are in our water. How many people take unused meds to their pharmacy for proper disposal?
Studies in Australia, the USA, and European nations have shown the effects of marijuana on IQ when consumed from teen-to-30-something and on changes in sperm quality, quantity, and motility. Yet state after state is (or has) legalized marijuana. Why? Colorado's marijuana sales were $1 billion and the state gets 15% of total sales. Money vs health: money wins.
We eat food that is high in fat, including junk food and fast food. The teens who eat fruits and vegetables are outnumbered by their peers, who think french fries are vegetables.
The USA is about 5% of the world's population yet consumes 80 - 85% of the pain medications consumed in the entire world. The number of pregnant women who take narcotic pain meds is high - it should be zero.
Yes, sperm are in trouble......along with the entire bodies of far too many young men and women.
30
We operate under the presumption that people will exercise enlightened self interest in making choices that have known consequences unless we have good proof that they will not, because our culture is egalitarian and democratic. We trust that if we decide upon things democratically, those decisions may be dissimilar from the minority preferences but not so different as to be seriously against the interests of the minority. We provide the means for the minority to protect their interests if the majority decision deprives them of some basic rights. It leads to private enterprises which tend to act without much consideration for others sometimes to act contrary to the interests of all, which society can correct with laws, courts, and regulatory activities. We understand that toxic wastes can circulate through the substances upon which life depends and so do accumulate in our bodies. When some politicians assert that regulations must be justified by the costs to doing business, they are asserting that our lives and health cannot be considered to have any value greater than some quantity of money. It's a ridiculous idea when one thinks about it but it's still a part of our country's laws that lives are not necessarily more important than the ability of businesses to make money.
18
We are seeing worldwide decreases in fertility, one has to wonder if this together with contraception is part of the problem. Our New EPA will tell us this is the wrath of god and we should repent instead of banning economically lucrative endocrine disrupters.
13
And the guy checking receipts at Costco insists on drawing a smiley face on the receipt and giving it to my 3yo son - since the little guy could sit up in the shopping cart. He, nor my son for that matter, could fathom why this dad was so militant about this not occurring!
Meantime, the chemical onslaught is furthered by plastics - for toys no less! -contaminated with fire retardant laden eWaste. See guardian article here: https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2017/mar/09/plastics-re...
Trump's insistence on propping up the petroleum industry will keep the cost of chemical laden petroleum based products low as compared to alternatives. And with profits ostensibly up, the green washed AstroTurf will overwhelm all rational thought about regulations or otherwise internalizing the socio-economic costs.
Doesn't bode well for future swimmers!
Meantime, the chemical onslaught is furthered by plastics - for toys no less! -contaminated with fire retardant laden eWaste. See guardian article here: https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2017/mar/09/plastics-re...
Trump's insistence on propping up the petroleum industry will keep the cost of chemical laden petroleum based products low as compared to alternatives. And with profits ostensibly up, the green washed AstroTurf will overwhelm all rational thought about regulations or otherwise internalizing the socio-economic costs.
Doesn't bode well for future swimmers!
20
I know many women who have been using birth control since they were 17 but it looks like men need some sort of hormone regulators as well. Us women get monthly update on our fertility and overall health with the regular periods, but men may never know until they try to have kids and fail. It's kinda funny that in this hypersexualized society started with men's fantasies, men's sperm health actually decreased. Maybe this obsession with sexual pleasure but not necessarily with reproductive duties inhibited men's proper growth development as well? Perhaps it's good that these childish and selfish men cannot reproduce since their bodies can't even handle the responsibilities.
20
The fact that all substances created by man and released into the atmosphere or the seas will end up inside the bodies of all people can easily be both predicted and supported by the understanding we enjoy from science exists simultaneously with a culture that preserves quite opposite notions as a artifact of the pre-scientific world. We grow up seeing the world in inclusive and exclusive terms. There is I verses they, us verse them, here verses there, mine verses yours, and we see all the time that there are little singular things amidst vast amounts of other things. All these concepts make the fact that the matter of which we are composed and of which everything in the world is made is made of vast quantities of elementary substances which circulate and pass though everything, sometimes slowly and other times quickly. We breathe air that has been breathed by all animals that breathe, every day. We tend not to consider how much of what is ends up in us until we understand matter and how it circulated.
8
" America has been much slower than Europe to regulate toxic chemicals, and most chemicals sold in the U.S. have never been tested for safety."
.. And now expect those regulations to be even slower, or even come to a grinding halt, courtesy Trump/Pruitt.
We are seeing chaos theory being played out in our world, scene by scene.
.. And now expect those regulations to be even slower, or even come to a grinding halt, courtesy Trump/Pruitt.
We are seeing chaos theory being played out in our world, scene by scene.
26
I shudder to think of all the plastic baby bottles, that have been filled
with breast milk or formula and then put in the micro wave to heat up.
Feeding toxic stews to our babies and ourselves with all the chemical
laden non food food we eat, is a recipe for disaster.
People need to wake up and realize that for the drug and chemical industry.
We are the biggest suckers in the world. Want a green lawn?
Pour this poison on it. Want to kill a weed? Pour this poison on
it. Got a little cold? Run to the drugstore and buy something quick to
make it go away. Our lack of concern about the poisons we happily
smear on our bodies and put in our hungry mouths, connects directly to not caring about the pesticides, and fertilizers we pour on and into the Earth.
The bees and many other creatures are dying off, some more quickly then
others. If ever there was a time for the world to come together and fight
for our habitat this is it. This great and glorious, wonderful breathing planet we call Earth of which there is NO OTHER!!!
Our Earth and all the humans on it need to be cared for and loved.
If not, in our not too distant future we may be looking at a long line of two headed babies. We already have baby boys, who grow up to learn
that their sperm is deformed and swims in circles. Aimlessly.
with breast milk or formula and then put in the micro wave to heat up.
Feeding toxic stews to our babies and ourselves with all the chemical
laden non food food we eat, is a recipe for disaster.
People need to wake up and realize that for the drug and chemical industry.
We are the biggest suckers in the world. Want a green lawn?
Pour this poison on it. Want to kill a weed? Pour this poison on
it. Got a little cold? Run to the drugstore and buy something quick to
make it go away. Our lack of concern about the poisons we happily
smear on our bodies and put in our hungry mouths, connects directly to not caring about the pesticides, and fertilizers we pour on and into the Earth.
The bees and many other creatures are dying off, some more quickly then
others. If ever there was a time for the world to come together and fight
for our habitat this is it. This great and glorious, wonderful breathing planet we call Earth of which there is NO OTHER!!!
Our Earth and all the humans on it need to be cared for and loved.
If not, in our not too distant future we may be looking at a long line of two headed babies. We already have baby boys, who grow up to learn
that their sperm is deformed and swims in circles. Aimlessly.
16
Well it's certainly one way to end over population.
20
Yes, thermal receipts contain BPA and are potentially one of our main exposures to it. The article suggest the tiny receipts like those coming from gas pumps and ATMs, but why the limited scope? I'm more concerned about the huge, 18" long receipts we get at Costco, Safeway, Nordstrom - unless I'm misinformed, those are massively larger "BPA delivery devices" which I'm essentially forced to handle, and to save in some cases.
I only visit an ATM or gas pump once or twice a month, but I'm handed a thermal receipt several times per day...
I only visit an ATM or gas pump once or twice a month, but I'm handed a thermal receipt several times per day...
10
I try not to accept the thermal receipts. I realize this makes it difficult to return things, but I'll take that chance.
However, think of all the poor cashiers, who handle them all day long, every working day.
However, think of all the poor cashiers, who handle them all day long, every working day.
23
Bad science in this article. You cannot just blame plastics as endocrine disrupters - we do know the effects of BPA but not every plastic. Demonizing what we do not know is silly and dangerous. It could be the increased use of birth control, western diet, obesity, pollution of some other sort or some other unknown.
Irresponsible reporting makes it seem like science conclusively knows that plastics are bad for us. That is not the case.
Irresponsible reporting makes it seem like science conclusively knows that plastics are bad for us. That is not the case.
8
Reply to Alex;
The science is that petrochemical based plastics are very bad for us. You currently, like everyone else along with all the other living creatures now on the planet have microscopic plastic in your blood stream and body tissue. You also have a large number of industrial chemicals in your blood stream and body tissue, all very bad for you. The canaries in the coal mines have already sung their song.
The science is that petrochemical based plastics are very bad for us. You currently, like everyone else along with all the other living creatures now on the planet have microscopic plastic in your blood stream and body tissue. You also have a large number of industrial chemicals in your blood stream and body tissue, all very bad for you. The canaries in the coal mines have already sung their song.
30
Natural selection trough gradual genetic changes ( drift,mutation,gene migration..)
Yes, perhaps it's nature's way to insure, gradually, habitat for all.
Perhaps. Except that nothing is "natural" about this.
4
https://chemicalwatch.com/54045/eu-testing-for-developmental-neurotoxici...
No doubt Kristof's return today to this issue was prompted by a report this week highlighting recent research. European media did not ignore this news, it was a lead story one day on the lemonde website. One columnist shouldn't bear the burden of reporting actual news. Why mainstream media , including this paper, ignores an actual news event , the new report, is a mystery. Google CHEM Trust and don't rely solely on New York papers to keep informed. Once again liberal media outlets are failing to do their job.
No doubt Kristof's return today to this issue was prompted by a report this week highlighting recent research. European media did not ignore this news, it was a lead story one day on the lemonde website. One columnist shouldn't bear the burden of reporting actual news. Why mainstream media , including this paper, ignores an actual news event , the new report, is a mystery. Google CHEM Trust and don't rely solely on New York papers to keep informed. Once again liberal media outlets are failing to do their job.
9
If you didn't think we are ripe for a version of "A Handmaid's Tale", think again. Between crazy sperm and toxic wombs, things are not exactly rosy in the reproductive arena. And will governments become involved in any attempt to mitigate this? Of course not. They are too busy accepting cash from industry to do anything. Is that a surprise?
20
If it only affected humans, it would be a good thing on a planet so over populated by the producers of endocrine disruptors. Unfortunately, we're going to bring most living things to a similar fate.
17
Gosh now that pollutants are affecting the macho male's sex organs we could keep decent regulation.
18
Two books by of Sandra Steingraber (PhD University of Michigan - Biological Sciences) aligns with this topic and I highly recommend them. Living Downstream deals with her Cancer and Raising Elijah deals with protecting our kids in the world we live in. Living Downstream inspired a film of the same name and is widely available.
Here are two links you can watch for free related to this:
Now with Bill Moyers - Kids and Chemicals on Vimeo
https://vimeo.com/64088351
Moyers & Company interview with Dr Steingraber
https://vimeo.com/64370007
She has also been deeply involved in fighting fracking to protect water supplies in New York State and elsewhere.
I posted earlier but it disappeared in cyberspace.
Here are two links you can watch for free related to this:
Now with Bill Moyers - Kids and Chemicals on Vimeo
https://vimeo.com/64088351
Moyers & Company interview with Dr Steingraber
https://vimeo.com/64370007
She has also been deeply involved in fighting fracking to protect water supplies in New York State and elsewhere.
I posted earlier but it disappeared in cyberspace.
14
GAIA goes on, regardless of whether our sperm swim like Michael Phelps or struggle simply to tread water before drowning.
7 billion people on the planet, from only 1 billion a mere two centuries ago. Predictions that we'll hit 11 billion by the end of the century.
Meanwhile kumbayists like Nicholas pen columns about eliminating malaria in Africa, or feeding the world's poor. All the while ignoring the fact that the biggest problem facing the world is overpopulation, which is complexly intertwined with climate change. If the world's population was half of current levels, there'd be ample food for everyone, and CO2 emissions would be lower. This despite the fact that the wealthy denizens of the West per capita contribute exponentially more trash and CO2 than the poor of the 3rd world.
We're trashing the planet. Besides burning carbon based fuels for energy, we're despoiling the environment in countless ways. The economy would collapse without plastics, yet there are garbage patches of plastic in the ocean the size of small countries. Fish eat them, and they end up in the food chain.
Species are disappearing because our billions need more of everything. More forests chopped down for farmland. More fauna fished from the oceans. More insecticides sprayed to allegedly boost agricultural productivity.
Gaia patiently waits, without emotion. After all, we're the problem and not yet the solution. Things will only get worse until the 3rd world stops breeding like rabbits.
7 billion people on the planet, from only 1 billion a mere two centuries ago. Predictions that we'll hit 11 billion by the end of the century.
Meanwhile kumbayists like Nicholas pen columns about eliminating malaria in Africa, or feeding the world's poor. All the while ignoring the fact that the biggest problem facing the world is overpopulation, which is complexly intertwined with climate change. If the world's population was half of current levels, there'd be ample food for everyone, and CO2 emissions would be lower. This despite the fact that the wealthy denizens of the West per capita contribute exponentially more trash and CO2 than the poor of the 3rd world.
We're trashing the planet. Besides burning carbon based fuels for energy, we're despoiling the environment in countless ways. The economy would collapse without plastics, yet there are garbage patches of plastic in the ocean the size of small countries. Fish eat them, and they end up in the food chain.
Species are disappearing because our billions need more of everything. More forests chopped down for farmland. More fauna fished from the oceans. More insecticides sprayed to allegedly boost agricultural productivity.
Gaia patiently waits, without emotion. After all, we're the problem and not yet the solution. Things will only get worse until the 3rd world stops breeding like rabbits.
6
I have been hoping for decades that something would come along to render humans infertile by the billions to cure the terminal disease that afflicts this planet — human overpopulation. If it could just be something that doesn't affect other species and that doesn't cause defective humans to be born, that would be ideal.
16
There are 7.4 billion humans on earth and the UN estimates it will be 11 billion by 2100. How can reduced fertility be a bad think? If it slows the growth or better yet ultimately reduces the human population by say half that would take pressure off the planet which we are currently destroying. Global warming for example is really just a symptom of overpopulation but no one is willing to talk about overpopulation. And if some people who want children can't have them why should we care? Humans aren't Pandas or Rhinos, we aren't at risk of running out out them.
10
If these plastics affect male humans won't it also affect other male species?
4
Easy to say until it's you or your kids who are infertile. However, I do agree about overpopulation—which is why we adopted our third. If everyone who wants kids just has two, and all the people who don't want any don't have any, we would be all right.
6
There is the same amount of humand created as ever there was but more and more are returning faster thus we are overpopulated ay this time. Perhaps we know between earth lives while still in spiritland prior to being hoised in a physical body, that our earth is deteriorating and we need it for our evolution. These are desperate times. Our earth had changed much eons ago plunged ino the dark ages...which can happen again if a solar flare knocks out the grid ect. All we each can do is the best we can and try to educaye the greedy everywhere who destroy and pollute our planet without future thoughts. Spiritual education is needed but are their enough evolved ears to hear, understand,and will to incorporate beneficial change ?
2
The Earth and every species of plant and animal on it will breathe a collective sigh of relief when human beings are finally gone from the planet.
27
Chemical products are not tested for safety in the US. And as usual, the monied interests in the US win out. Remind me again why we think we're the greatest country in the world.
37
Remind me again why we think the "market" will take care of everything and why we idolize the idol rich.
15
Well if it affects sperm, then the white mostly male administration might do something!
6
Read the title of this piece and immediately thought of a song in Monty Python's "The Meaning of Life." After reading it, the song (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUspLVStPbk) is apropos.
4
A helpful website for those who would like to know more about toxins in their environment is www.silentspring.org.
4
The problem starts with our standard of proof: Europe's "precautionary principle" means that manufacturers of chemicals must prove their chemical does no harm. If they can't prove it, the chemical can be outlawed. In the US, chemicals are assumed safe until proven harmful. BUT every time a study comes out showing harm from chemicals or GE crops, the industry comes back with its own studies from its paid researchers, claiming the opposite. Our soybean and corn crops are doused in RoundUp; this chemical has entered our ground water and is concentrated in the bodies of animals we eat. Hundreds of studies link glyphosate in RoundUp to cancer, and now we're learning that Monsanto has been involved in a cover up with collusion of government officials. How much do we have to take before people put our health and that of our planet at the top of concerns and kick out the lawmakers who collude and assist the lying and unethical chemical and GE industry?
33
Nicholas,
The measure of a population's fecundity (reproductive potential) is almost entirely based on the number of fertile females. The number of fertile males (as long as it's >1) is almost a non-factor in the equation.
The measure of a population's fecundity (reproductive potential) is almost entirely based on the number of fertile females. The number of fertile males (as long as it's >1) is almost a non-factor in the equation.
7
I hope WOMEN wake up (NOT men)
This is not being caused by men
Is caused by all the conveniences women want -- they are the primary users of plastics, not to mention all the estrogen pills they take. Not to mention what all the make up experimentation is doing.
(Actually, we are all to blame, but as I read the comments, once again, feminists are blaming men.)
This is not being caused by men
Is caused by all the conveniences women want -- they are the primary users of plastics, not to mention all the estrogen pills they take. Not to mention what all the make up experimentation is doing.
(Actually, we are all to blame, but as I read the comments, once again, feminists are blaming men.)
5
"Feminists" are blaming men for the simple fact that men control the corporations and elected officials who a.) do this while suppressing research on the effects of the chemicals they manufacture, and b.) support these industries in exchange for campaign contributions and all-expenses paid trips to exotic golf courses or six-figure salaries after leaving Congress. When women have as much power and act the same way, they will be blamed equally.
22
Chemicals have been damaging women and girls--as well as men and boys--for a long time. But as things tend to go, I see more possibilities of addressing problems when men's bodies, sex life, and sperm are the focus. Maybe this information will concern enough men in power that something will change...or not, given how many men run chemical companies...
18
Many commentators here are concerned and justly so, when reading such and article.
But many, many more out there have no clue. They did not read this article or any other on the subject of plastics and chemicals in our environment.
They care about getting to work on time, or working two or three jobs to make ends meet. When they get home, they play with their kids or slumber in front of the TV.
And they are happy, looking forward to another day and maybe this years vacation to Disneyland.
But everyone deserves to be safe from harmful chemicals and plastics, to protect their environment and their health. So both industry and political leadership must do more and do better at curbing pollution and industrial products that are harmful.
We need a president who also thinks and does the same. Our country has lead the way in the past and it's time to do so again.
Please fund the EPA and the important work it does for our people and our environment.
But many, many more out there have no clue. They did not read this article or any other on the subject of plastics and chemicals in our environment.
They care about getting to work on time, or working two or three jobs to make ends meet. When they get home, they play with their kids or slumber in front of the TV.
And they are happy, looking forward to another day and maybe this years vacation to Disneyland.
But everyone deserves to be safe from harmful chemicals and plastics, to protect their environment and their health. So both industry and political leadership must do more and do better at curbing pollution and industrial products that are harmful.
We need a president who also thinks and does the same. Our country has lead the way in the past and it's time to do so again.
Please fund the EPA and the important work it does for our people and our environment.
22
Judging from people's reactions to this price they either are ok with the reduction in human population or think it's a huge problem that needs attention. Honestly the reality is that it is probably something in between. We don't see a huge proportion of children being born with birth defects or dead. Rather most children are born healthy- especially in the US where women are typically well nourished and taken care of by doctors (until their fees come in). As it is, sperm only exists for one reason- to fertilize the egg by depositing its DNA load into the egg. The chance of catastrophe of, say, a double headed sperm fertilizing the egg is quite low - the cell would be heavier which would make it hard for it to move as fast as single headed sperm. A double tailed sperm could either move fast, but could also not move at all since the tails can get tangled. Anyway, men typically produce 300K sperm a day, only some make it to the egg and even then it's more a matter of luck which sperm manages to fertilize it. Maybe the double tailed sperm isn't able to break the coat around the egg as well as other sperm? Still, problems with toxins in our environment are pervasive. Unless you make everything by hand, it's impossible to cut out these toxins- most of which are processed by liver and kidneys. This price is a bit inflammatory, but does highlight a problem like climate change - it'll kick us in the nuts later on if we let it go. Pun intended.
7
Mr. Kristof: I am surprised you did not refer to the new draft budget for the EPA, a document recently leaked and subsequently acquired by Bill Becker, executive director of the National Association of Clean Air Agencies. The February 28 Trump/OMB document proposes a new EPA budget cutting EPA funding for research on endocrine disruptors. I think you might want to consider editing in this critical information.
Amy Goodman interviewed Mr. Becker on Democracynow on March 2
https://www.democracynow.org/2017/3/3/trump_s_proposed_epa_cuts_threaten
and at the end of the transcript, provides a link to a detailed synopsis by the National Association of Clean Air Agencies:
http://www.4cleanair.org/news#news-16805.
Amy Goodman interviewed Mr. Becker on Democracynow on March 2
https://www.democracynow.org/2017/3/3/trump_s_proposed_epa_cuts_threaten
and at the end of the transcript, provides a link to a detailed synopsis by the National Association of Clean Air Agencies:
http://www.4cleanair.org/news#news-16805.
13
Currently, the world’s population totals an estimated 7 billion-plus people. According to the UN and other international organizations compiling demographic statistics, more than half of that population resides in Asia and another quarter of the population is in Africa. The world’s population is predicted to increase by around 4 billion more between now and 2100. The US is not even among the top 10 of the countries in regards to population growth. If the sperm of American men proves not up to the task of producing the population we need, we may need to rethink our immigration laws.
2
"And the costs of male disorders to quality of life, and the economic burden to society, are inestimable." Frankly, the costs of healthy males to the quality of our lives and the economic burden to society are inestimable. Look at a picture of the current Leader's administration, or a the smug men declaring that men paying for prenatal health is an "unfair mandate," to see who is doing damage and has been doing damage for decades.
We have the technology: let's keep sperm out of the whole process of reproduction, and maybe, while we're at it, keep the sperm producers out of at least one important aspect of life.
We have the technology: let's keep sperm out of the whole process of reproduction, and maybe, while we're at it, keep the sperm producers out of at least one important aspect of life.
9
In 1985 I had testicular cancer whose etiology was revealed in the 1997 landmark book, Our Stolen Future, by Colburn and Durmanski, as a result of exposure to petroleum based phenols while my mother consumed white fish from Lake Michigan in her last trimester of pregnancy in 1948. They clearly proved that exposure to polyvinyls while in utero damages DNA and is a cause of endocrine based cancers, i.e. breast, testicular, thyroid, ovarian, etc. in other species with meta-analysis linking to human cancers. There studies and analysis earned a two page spread in Time magazine and then Vice President Gore proposed further investigation specific to what is considered "generational influences" of petroleum based phenols in humans. In a personal discussion with a director of NIH I was informed that these generational studies were too expensive, but the clear implication was that corporate liabilities were preventing the funding of this research. Since the profit of cancer treatment profits from the same industry that is responsible for much of the disease its hard to understand when human health or survival will gain priority. Unfortunately for those who think the world would be better off without our species creating such environmental havoc, birds, reptiles, fish and other mammals are not shielded from toxic exposures and are also suffering the consequences of toxic exposures and may suffer a similar fate.
10
Why worry? Most of the problems of the human race can be traced to too many people. If we have a large drop in the number of people then there will not be as much carbon used, not as much land tilled under for food, not as much....
...and on and on.
If it got really bad, and society broke down, in 500 years it would all start up again. The LD 50 for the human race is probable in a few thousand range. We would loose 99% and the species would still survive.
...and on and on.
If it got really bad, and society broke down, in 500 years it would all start up again. The LD 50 for the human race is probable in a few thousand range. We would loose 99% and the species would still survive.
2
Avoid plastic seems to be a common denominator among many public health concerns. And plastic sneaks in to places you least expect. Metallic water bottle linings, canned goods, bulk food containers (before they even arrive at that Michelin-rated restaurant you've been dying to try). Milk cartons. The list goes on. It will be difficult to parse out everything in the absence of good regulations.
7
Dear Ivanka
This article is more important then 6 weeks of paid parental leave. Save the kids first.
This article is more important then 6 weeks of paid parental leave. Save the kids first.
8
As a mother of an 11 year old boy, I have noticed that many boys, even skinny ones, are developing breasts. Just go to any pool in any town in American and see young boys with delicate curves on their chests.
8
I don't think that's anything new. I had little lumps when I went thru puberty. They disappeared pretty quickly.
We have seed banks to preserve plants that are disappearing from the world. Maybe we need a sperm bank--if they can still find healthy sperm to put in the vault? A hundred years from now they'll thank us, if anyone's left. (Chart that rate of decline in viable Chinese sperm. If it continues at the same rate, we won't make 100 years.)
4
With like 7.4 billion...yeah not really worried about human race going extinct. For all the animals we have driven to extinction, in cruel and often greedy and inhumane methods, I 'd say how deserving and ironic for the tables to now be turned on us!
9
So, this is how human life will end – by reaching a generation where it never begins. In some respects, the sperm crisis offers a future with a final act less horrible than a nuclear holocaust or rising seas from global warming. But not by much.
The important thing to remember is that each of these bad endings is cataclysmic in its own way, and all of them – repeat, all of them – are manmade.
As America enters an era when any type of government regulation and oversight of business is repugnant and science is dismissed with a wave of the hand, good luck persuading the Trump administration to insist that the chemical industry clean up its act.
The important thing to remember is that each of these bad endings is cataclysmic in its own way, and all of them – repeat, all of them – are manmade.
As America enters an era when any type of government regulation and oversight of business is repugnant and science is dismissed with a wave of the hand, good luck persuading the Trump administration to insist that the chemical industry clean up its act.
9
Last line, "If you doubt the stakes, look at the image with this column of a hapless sperm swimming in circles, and remember this: Our human future will only be as healthy as our sperm." I'll add AND OVA
6
Nothing will happen under Trump. They don't like regulations.
2
The stuff of a Ray Bradbury-type novel - but true. I can envision being held in rapt and magnetic suspense as I turn the pages to learn what will become of what we call the human race. Ah, progress...indeed.
1
This may be the ultimate poetic justice...as you sow so shall you reap. The extinction of Homo sapiens may be the saving of the planet as a home for the rest of the hapless flora and fauna who share it. Once all the pollution ends and enough time has passed for the poisons to dissipate perhaps another species of reasoning creatures will arise. If they are lucky the species will be from the bonobo...a make love not war kinda group.
9
Game over, humans.
3
Thanks for the article. This is a much under reported and discussed issue.
I would highly recommend the work of Sandra Steingraber, PhD (University of Michigan in Biological Sciences) who is not only a scientist, but a survivor of Cancer. Her book Living Downstream (ISBN 0306818698) details her personal journey with our toxic environment and Cancer. A later book Raising Elijah: Protecting Our Children in an Age of Environmental Crisis (ISBN 0306820757), directly addresses the challenge of how protecting our children in the environment humanity finds itself in, and this relates directly to your writing today.
For those with the time, an episode of Bill Moyers' Public TV program Moyers & Company interviewed her at length. The full show is on the Moyers & Company You Tube page in HD at this link ( https://youtu.be/jgbmlFauH-s ).
As a scientist, mother and Cancer survivor, Sandra Steingraber's story and work is a good place to start on this issue. Dr Steingraber is a Distinguished Scholar in Residence at the Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences of Ithaca College, so we are talking about someone well-versed in the subject matter. She has also been personally involved working against fracking and it's impact on the water supply in New York State- something of great importance to many New York Times readers.
I would highly recommend the work of Sandra Steingraber, PhD (University of Michigan in Biological Sciences) who is not only a scientist, but a survivor of Cancer. Her book Living Downstream (ISBN 0306818698) details her personal journey with our toxic environment and Cancer. A later book Raising Elijah: Protecting Our Children in an Age of Environmental Crisis (ISBN 0306820757), directly addresses the challenge of how protecting our children in the environment humanity finds itself in, and this relates directly to your writing today.
For those with the time, an episode of Bill Moyers' Public TV program Moyers & Company interviewed her at length. The full show is on the Moyers & Company You Tube page in HD at this link ( https://youtu.be/jgbmlFauH-s ).
As a scientist, mother and Cancer survivor, Sandra Steingraber's story and work is a good place to start on this issue. Dr Steingraber is a Distinguished Scholar in Residence at the Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences of Ithaca College, so we are talking about someone well-versed in the subject matter. She has also been personally involved working against fracking and it's impact on the water supply in New York State- something of great importance to many New York Times readers.
There are also studies which suggest electro-magnetic effects on the testicles and spermatogenesis from cell phones worn men's belts
2
'Idiocracy' my friends, is real.
No longer a satire, it is now a documentary.
No longer a satire, it is now a documentary.
6
very underrated movie
Thank god there's is something to reduce our rate of reproduction. People seem to think they can have babies and their babies can have babies and babies and babies forever, until we crowd out and kill off every other living thing on our little planet.
Our problems, like the chemical runoff from our daily routines, multiply with our numbers.
Our problems, like the chemical runoff from our daily routines, multiply with our numbers.
4
That's really sad that Mr. Kristof uses his writer's talent and the amplification of voice given by NYT to push "science" proven as poorly as are anti-vaxxers' claims of damage cause by vaccines. There is no, zilch, nada peer-reviewed publications where any hurt to endocrine system from plastic additives at the levels actually present in the environment, or during the "normal" use of the products, had been demonstrated. Molecules quite dangerous when you drink them by the spoonful, or when you cover a significant portion of the body as a thick coat thick coat, are routinely demonstrated to cause no harm under dilution to the normal levels. For that matter, European Chemical Agency (specifically task with finding and excluding dangerous chemicals) after spending billions on toxicology studies, came up with the amazingly short list of materials they want to be removed from the consumer products. Any real-life endocrine disruption effects of chemicals are swamped with well-known disruption caused by many natural products - soy phytoestrogens, for example, being super-powerful and abundant in many foods... you can start with 94,000 hits when you google "soy isoflavones endocrine system"... and you might have not noticed - but we are eating much more soy today than 30 years ago...
4
Then what's your hypothesis concerning the decline of sperm quality and quantity?
1
This coupled with the decline in sex over the past 30 years bodes ill for our society going forward. https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/social-issues/americans-having-less...
I am 61 but still working in IT with people in 25 35 year old range and meeting girls seems like the farthest thing from their minds. I won't be around to see the result but look at Spain and Italy a fraction of what they were population wise
I am 61 but still working in IT with people in 25 35 year old range and meeting girls seems like the farthest thing from their minds. I won't be around to see the result but look at Spain and Italy a fraction of what they were population wise
3
Maybe we should all email this column to Scott Pruitt.
2
At 54 years old, in 1996 in Logan Utah, I was asked to give a sperm sample. My sperm count as 5 times that of the 20 year olds, as were similar aged males, even despite Agent Orange that gave two birth defects to one son and another serious military poisoning. Denmark had comparable results for boys who had worn pampers or plastic over their diapers compared to those who had just diapers or nothing when young.
We are indeed at risk as humans.
On the other hand read the classic Sperm Wars. In there he argued that a relatively small % of sperm acted for fertility. Other sperm were designed to attack fertile, swimming sperm from a previous male and double tailed and such swimming slower than the fertile sperm existed to block off succeeding sperm from later males.
Point is fertile sperm count is what is especially important.
Manbreats and such tho do support his concern for estrogen mimickers.
We are indeed at risk as humans.
On the other hand read the classic Sperm Wars. In there he argued that a relatively small % of sperm acted for fertility. Other sperm were designed to attack fertile, swimming sperm from a previous male and double tailed and such swimming slower than the fertile sperm existed to block off succeeding sperm from later males.
Point is fertile sperm count is what is especially important.
Manbreats and such tho do support his concern for estrogen mimickers.
4
all us Berkeleyer-than-thou hippies in the early 1970s knew that if a couple wanted to have a baby, both parties had to purge the junk food and chemicals (cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, etc.) from their diet for six months or more and to exercise to give the baby the best chance of a healthful life.
Even dopers knew you don't mess around with reproductive health.
If that has changed, then blame the wholesale defunding of public education.
Even dopers knew you don't mess around with reproductive health.
If that has changed, then blame the wholesale defunding of public education.
4
This announced existential catastrophe is a reflection of the utterly criminal nature of the lobbying industry in the United States today. Lobbyists pose a more potent threat to the democratic process than any one political movement or figure, for they undermine the better interests of the electorate through their opaque relationships with American legislators on a bipartisan level. THIS unpleasant truth is what turns disgusted American voters towards political extremists, when both Republican and Democratic legislators cave into pressures from the military-financial complex instead of passing or enforcing laws for the common good. But I am not even sure whether a righteous firebrand such as Bernie Sanders can do anything about this silent cancer in American democracy. The influence of lobbyists is absolutely tentacular!
7
What the world needs now is a good mathematics computer and a million Sharpie markers, a deep freeze the size of North Dakota and the best, (ten million) healthiest sperm donors on earth. The plastics industry will never go away and political contributions are sacrosanct.
2
The chemicals in non-mineral sunscreens are harmful in more ways than just as endocrine disrupters. They may be carcinogens. And to make things worse, they kill corals. People slap that stuff on, then go snorkeling to admire all the pretty things their sunscreen is poisoning. I see it all the time in Hawaii.
Stick with titanium dioxide and zinc. Wear a hat. And buy a rashguard for swimming in the ocean.
Stick with titanium dioxide and zinc. Wear a hat. And buy a rashguard for swimming in the ocean.
5
Remember the old DuPont slogans,"Better things...for Better Living" and "Better Living ...Through Chemistry"? They were birthed in 1935 and quietly shortened to "Better Living" in 1982? Radium poisoning was known by 1935. Chimney sweepers' testicular cancer epidemic from work was known by 1900. Any chemist, physician, or clear-eyed customer knew that progress had a price but fantasies of a "better" lives and realities of greater profits were all that mattered.
Today, far too late, chemistry's fantasy of pleasure sans penalty is gone from the ads and icons of corporations, quietly buried with the curling dark smoke from tall brick stacks we saw in corporate signs. Only the dangers have not gone. Ask Bhopal, India about American safe chemical plants , ask GE about the Hudson's PCB-silt too dangerous even to remove, ask the nuclear power generators where old facilities and used rods can be stored safely, and ask anyone whether plastics-induced dysfunction is "better living" than being able to make love and babies. Any society that chooses to kill itself off for short term fun seems insane. As does any government that wants "Clean Coal" and "deregulation" as its signal achievement, complete with a hear no evil-see no evil-speak no evil EPA head... Resist, insist, persist.
Today, far too late, chemistry's fantasy of pleasure sans penalty is gone from the ads and icons of corporations, quietly buried with the curling dark smoke from tall brick stacks we saw in corporate signs. Only the dangers have not gone. Ask Bhopal, India about American safe chemical plants , ask GE about the Hudson's PCB-silt too dangerous even to remove, ask the nuclear power generators where old facilities and used rods can be stored safely, and ask anyone whether plastics-induced dysfunction is "better living" than being able to make love and babies. Any society that chooses to kill itself off for short term fun seems insane. As does any government that wants "Clean Coal" and "deregulation" as its signal achievement, complete with a hear no evil-see no evil-speak no evil EPA head... Resist, insist, persist.
8
This history lesson helps put chemicals that reach our blood stream into perspective. And from other comments, it can be taken that if anyone is to blame for this it is the consumer (especially women?) who drive the market for the untested chemicals that make plastics and face creams effective. But in truth when chemicals really made their way into our consumer products 'bigly', in the 1950s (if you will), the public never asked for them; the chemical have been foisted upon us; all in the name of producing more of everything, or extending shelf life,, etc. Sadly, market forces, the drive for profits, have unleashed toxins unimaginable; and all the chemical industry can say is, "it wasn't us." "Prove it..." and they fight fulling a toxin from the shelf until we are forced to, like so many other toxic products that have had their day on the grocery shelf.
3
This is certainly a topic worth discussing and disseminating (no pun intended!). Far too many people seem blissfully ignorant of the dark downside of the (petro-)chemical revolution we have been living in for the last century or so.
But to the people who see some natural or divine justice playing out, with humanity diminishing it's own numbers by spoiling the environment, I wonder how large an effect this particular issue will create.
Even with 90% defective sperm, guys and gals are extremely persistent when it comes to procreation, and if at first you don't succeed, try, try again!
But to the people who see some natural or divine justice playing out, with humanity diminishing it's own numbers by spoiling the environment, I wonder how large an effect this particular issue will create.
Even with 90% defective sperm, guys and gals are extremely persistent when it comes to procreation, and if at first you don't succeed, try, try again!
2
I think Margaret Atwood's "A handmaid's tale" gives a prescient insight into future points of contention. Or, maybe the market will answer the problem of impotent sperm with viable sperm commanding huge salaries.
The current GOP government will do nothing about this problem because they don't give credence to science and they myopically think such regulation impedes economic growth, which they consider more important than anything else. Our choices are to be angry and do nothing or be angry and fight back. For the sake of future generations, let us choose the latter. Write letters, call congressional offices, march in the streets. Fight back!
3
You make good points.........but what about the DNC government that wants drugs legalized? Colorado has legal marijuana, although studies in Australia and several European nations has proved that long term use decreases IQ. California and several other states want to legalize pot because of the money it brings into state government.
And birth defects? The number of birth defects continues to climb, just as the number of women who use marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and other drugs. Look at the number of pregnant women who use all kinds of drugs, including narcotic pain meds.
If you want us to write letters and call members of Congress, how about hitting Senators and Representatives on both sides of the aisle?
And birth defects? The number of birth defects continues to climb, just as the number of women who use marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and other drugs. Look at the number of pregnant women who use all kinds of drugs, including narcotic pain meds.
If you want us to write letters and call members of Congress, how about hitting Senators and Representatives on both sides of the aisle?
1
Are there ongoing studies of the connection between this endocrinal hormonal pollution and recent increases in autism and intersexual individuals?
4
Yes.
1
I see a lot of overpopulation worriers (who I usually totally agree with) saying 'maybe this isn't so bad.' But it is totally bad and certainly not the way to hold down reproduction. The effect of these endocrine disrupters is a wild card with catastrophic potential to, well, disrupt. Disruption sources are proliferating like flies on discarded fast food, including the unpredictable impact of climate change, over-processed food, the (literally) tens of thousands of untested chemicals being pumped into our world, and soon worldwide, unregulated modifications of human germ cells with CRISPR Cas9 technology. All those sci-fi movies with our progeny looking like special effects run rampant may actually be predictive of where madcap non-regulation will take us. Plus overpopulation will still be around, I'm betting. Genuinely sad.
5
Even without endocrine disruption, sperm quality is affected by advanced paternal age--these are heritable genetic problems, not merely sperm deformities or low counts. This might be a bigger problem.
2
Of overpopulation, the human race seems to take the same attitude Scott Pruitt takes about climate change. Perhaps nature will take the steps humans refuse to take.
5
This is one more thing I can do nothing about but which is nevertheless urgently brought to my attention.
5
There is no problem that will be solved by bringing more lives into this world.
4
What this column doesn't mention is the appalling state of the typical American diet -- over-processed and full of sugar. When you add that in to the way we're exposed to endocrine disrupting chemicals, you have a perfect storm of destruction coming for our health.
Oh, and did anyone mention our lack of exercise? The human body is under siege (as is the planet), and we may be approaching a tipping point that will have dire consequences.
Oh, and did anyone mention our lack of exercise? The human body is under siege (as is the planet), and we may be approaching a tipping point that will have dire consequences.
3
Thank you for bringing this information and the implied warnings to the forefront as our current administration races to destroy any and all environmental/chemical/pharmaceutical protections previously in place.
Sadly, much of the information in this article is not new. Our Stolen Future (by Colburn, Dumanoski, Myers), published in 1996 and extremely well-documented, described much of this and more. It was hailed by many as a sequel to Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring", and the NYTimes claimed, "It's subject is so important and its story so powerful that it deserves to be read by the widest possible audience." Alas, OSF's warnings were all but silenced by Big Biz (including GE), Ag, Pharma, Chemical, etc. as they rushed to further pollute our bodies, our water, our environment. Our government was also complicit, as it took an entire decade to even enact a change in the type of plastic used in baby bottles!
I find it especially sad that many whose sexual identity may have been affected (through no fault of their own) by industrial and governmental use of these endocrine disruptors are often harassed, sometimes beaten or murdered and subject to less than fair treatment, solely because of their sexual identity.
I hope that this article and your message goes viral, as everyone needs to understand these implications. There will need to be a major groundswell of opposition to affect any changes in the current administrations trajectory. Our survival depends on it.
Sadly, much of the information in this article is not new. Our Stolen Future (by Colburn, Dumanoski, Myers), published in 1996 and extremely well-documented, described much of this and more. It was hailed by many as a sequel to Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring", and the NYTimes claimed, "It's subject is so important and its story so powerful that it deserves to be read by the widest possible audience." Alas, OSF's warnings were all but silenced by Big Biz (including GE), Ag, Pharma, Chemical, etc. as they rushed to further pollute our bodies, our water, our environment. Our government was also complicit, as it took an entire decade to even enact a change in the type of plastic used in baby bottles!
I find it especially sad that many whose sexual identity may have been affected (through no fault of their own) by industrial and governmental use of these endocrine disruptors are often harassed, sometimes beaten or murdered and subject to less than fair treatment, solely because of their sexual identity.
I hope that this article and your message goes viral, as everyone needs to understand these implications. There will need to be a major groundswell of opposition to affect any changes in the current administrations trajectory. Our survival depends on it.
8
As a geneticist, I've followed the science behind endocrine disrputers and other chemicals for some time. It isn't just that they interfere with sperm production and viability. Some of the first studies of BPA in mice showed disruptions of cell division in eggs, meaning that the offspring were not viable. There are indications that chemicals also alter gene function through epigenetic modification of DNA. That is where the DNA sequence does not change but the necessary proteins around the DNA are modified in a way that turns a gene on or off at the wrong time. Plastics are not inert, meaning the chemicals within the plastics will leech out, especially if heated or exposed to acids or other chemicals. We've not only allowed plastics to become ubiquitous in our lives, we've allowed them to enter the oceans in huge amounts.
We need to understand what we have done and continue to do to our planet, and do everything we can to reclaim clean air and water. Our environment is what allowed us to evolve. Now let's take care of our planet to assure that our children and their children will survive.
And do not ever put plastics into a microwave.
We need to understand what we have done and continue to do to our planet, and do everything we can to reclaim clean air and water. Our environment is what allowed us to evolve. Now let's take care of our planet to assure that our children and their children will survive.
And do not ever put plastics into a microwave.
15
"Might we do to ourselves what we did to bald eagles ...?" It appears to me that we are doing that to ALL life on Earth. Just look at all the plastic dumped everywhere and concentrating in our oceans.
Fewer humans on this planet, however, is a good thing - and bad for capitalistic profiteers who insist on infinite growth. That would mean less plastics, less carbon in the atmosphere, less deforestation, less drilling and mining, less garbage, lower animal extinction levels, etc.
So called pro-life should be encouraged with fewer abortions and pro-choice should welcome the contraceptive effect.
Fewer humans on this planet, however, is a good thing - and bad for capitalistic profiteers who insist on infinite growth. That would mean less plastics, less carbon in the atmosphere, less deforestation, less drilling and mining, less garbage, lower animal extinction levels, etc.
So called pro-life should be encouraged with fewer abortions and pro-choice should welcome the contraceptive effect.
7
If more foks believed in reincarnation i believe more folks would want to keep a clean planet for their own future use. We will keep choosing to reincarnate in whatever human form influences us(even cloned perhaps ) until we gain what we each need in order to end this overused earth cycle and that is compassion. Until we care more about our fellow humans(who die every 7 seconds from starvation..)until it "bothers " us more . Christ came to earth to show us to care as we had fallen so far into materialism. Compassion is developed in us by caring for the ill ones as many of us do now in the care of loved ones. All knowledge comes from suffering.
5
Evolution's revenge? We are destroying the planet with too many people and their mindless activities. Since humans are unable to solve the problem for themselves, I guess nature is solving it for us. Fewer people is certainly one way to slow the destruction.
5
I guess that's how the meek will inherit the earth. The only humans left reproducing will be the Amish and Stone Age tribal societies who steer clear of plastics.
6
Pretty soon those sperm will be swimming in even more interesting and diverse aquifers.
Geographically, the national map is almost completely red, so it looks like most of the nation thinks this is what they really want: Kreboizen, Love Canal, earthquakes from fracking-- the Grifter economy sold to magical thinkers!
Get rid of health care insurance for congress- it just makes them dependent.
Geographically, the national map is almost completely red, so it looks like most of the nation thinks this is what they really want: Kreboizen, Love Canal, earthquakes from fracking-- the Grifter economy sold to magical thinkers!
Get rid of health care insurance for congress- it just makes them dependent.
9
In college one of my engineering professors had a great saying concerning the consequences of introducing new technical advances: "Mother Nature bats last."
13
Could this be nature's way of controlling overpopulation?
In high school, we performed an experiment by allowing a cage of rats to reproduce and crowd the cages. Results were abnormal reproductive males (the same as mentioned in the article), and yes we did view sperm deformities, and females fighting off male advances. We were studying Darwin's theories on the effect of overpopulation.
In high school, we performed an experiment by allowing a cage of rats to reproduce and crowd the cages. Results were abnormal reproductive males (the same as mentioned in the article), and yes we did view sperm deformities, and females fighting off male advances. We were studying Darwin's theories on the effect of overpopulation.
4
Not Nature's way, certainly, because the chemicals in question are man-made, and part of the food chain because conventional agriculture is based upon by-products of modern warfare.
What a barbaric experiment. Where was this?
"Nature" doesn't make plans.
"Nature" doesn't make plans.
I shall clarify. We didn't use chemicals in the experiment. The rats ate farm fresh greens from the field of a small farm next door to the school who also didn't use chemicals for their grazing of dairy cows.
For more information on Darwin's theories, I suggest you read the article in this week's Times about the tortoises on Galapagos Islands.
For more information on Darwin's theories, I suggest you read the article in this week's Times about the tortoises on Galapagos Islands.
Grateful to Mr. Kristoff for bring this not-so-new information to a wider audience here. That it's only appeared on the occasional alternative health site till now has kept it where the producers of these toxins wanted it to be: away from the mainstream, and subject to derision of just another conspiracy theory meant to frighten us. The public will now have to educate and protect themselves in this and numerous other threats to our society as the current administration actively works to do the opposite. By the way, there are other ongoing studies which may indicate that carrying a cell phone in men's pockets may be having the same kinds of effects. Might not be as outrageous as we think; who knew a shower curtain could do such damage?
8
Thank you, Mr. Kristoff, for bringing to light this silent epidemic!
Hormones are critical for causing long-lasting changes in development, metabolism and gene expression. Our cells are sensitive to concentrations of hormones ranging in the billionths of a gram per milliliter of blood.
Yet we are basically bathing ourselves in a sea of these synthetic hormone mimics. Not mentioned here, but directly relevant to negative impacts on male fertility: The majority of these compounds specifically mimic the female hormone estrogen, so feminization of males is typically seen rather than the opposite.
But this doesn't mean women aren't at risk: High lifetime levels of estrogen are associated with breast cancer in women. Cashiers at stores, the vast majority of whom are female, are handling hundreds of pieces of thermal receipt paper per day, many of which are laden with estrogen-like synthetic compounds. The effects typically won't be seen for decades.
And make no mistake: The chemical industry completely runs the table on this issue - especially now with the threat of even less regulation than we had before.
Considering all this, Mr. Kristoff's emphasis is exactly the one needed to wake up the (male) majority of lawmakers: The very real threat to maleness in general and male fertility in particular. To paraphrase an older political expression: When you're pointing out a direct threat to their balls, their hearts and minds will be more open to the information that follows.
Hormones are critical for causing long-lasting changes in development, metabolism and gene expression. Our cells are sensitive to concentrations of hormones ranging in the billionths of a gram per milliliter of blood.
Yet we are basically bathing ourselves in a sea of these synthetic hormone mimics. Not mentioned here, but directly relevant to negative impacts on male fertility: The majority of these compounds specifically mimic the female hormone estrogen, so feminization of males is typically seen rather than the opposite.
But this doesn't mean women aren't at risk: High lifetime levels of estrogen are associated with breast cancer in women. Cashiers at stores, the vast majority of whom are female, are handling hundreds of pieces of thermal receipt paper per day, many of which are laden with estrogen-like synthetic compounds. The effects typically won't be seen for decades.
And make no mistake: The chemical industry completely runs the table on this issue - especially now with the threat of even less regulation than we had before.
Considering all this, Mr. Kristoff's emphasis is exactly the one needed to wake up the (male) majority of lawmakers: The very real threat to maleness in general and male fertility in particular. To paraphrase an older political expression: When you're pointing out a direct threat to their balls, their hearts and minds will be more open to the information that follows.
11
It's women who make more use of plastics and cosmetics (equal damage)
And who toss their estrogen extras down the toilet.
Women are the problem, not the male politicians. They can do nothing if women don't want to act.
And who toss their estrogen extras down the toilet.
Women are the problem, not the male politicians. They can do nothing if women don't want to act.
Congratulations on and excellent piece about a very important subject. It would be nice to see the Times devote some real resources to the investigation of the contamination of the human body by industrial compounds rather than expending vast amounts of energy trying to destroy our president.
2
The policies of the GOP, the guy in the oval office are the very same enablers of the chemical industries, et.al, etc that are largely causing the problems. Yes, I know DEMs have participated willingly in this: Big Money knows no Bounds. Yet this particular administration has set forth to remove protections at break-neck pace, including to remove actual safety programs which work to protect the planet and our workforce. What kind of idiot wants to allow the water, and air to be polluted? Conservatives in my time, at least those in my family, actually wanted to conserve things, including the water sources, and the air for all. We have loosed upon the world a type of madness which has enormous potential to cause utter devastation, and nightmare scenarios for us, and future generations.
They are enemies of the People, and the Planet.
They are enemies of the People, and the Planet.
4
Thank you for mention conservatives were identified by conserving the world for their grandchildren's grandchildren.
Somehow we have allowed the press and some off the wall folks to claim that conserving their wealth is the definition.
Barry Goldwater, Thos E Martin were two of our senators back in the 1950s conserving the environment. Martin was an author of the soil bank legislation. When have you recently read of our soil disappearing? But they preached so well that the liberals stopped saying the future will develop the technology to repair the damage, but jobs now are the priority and agreed to protecting our environment for our grandchildren and theirs.
So a bunch of anti liberals decided that if the liberals support it, the future be damned. And then had the nerve to be dogmatic and nobody tells me what I can dump into the passing waters or air or aquifers.
Thank you for remembering the past which sadly did not become prologue.
Somehow we have allowed the press and some off the wall folks to claim that conserving their wealth is the definition.
Barry Goldwater, Thos E Martin were two of our senators back in the 1950s conserving the environment. Martin was an author of the soil bank legislation. When have you recently read of our soil disappearing? But they preached so well that the liberals stopped saying the future will develop the technology to repair the damage, but jobs now are the priority and agreed to protecting our environment for our grandchildren and theirs.
So a bunch of anti liberals decided that if the liberals support it, the future be damned. And then had the nerve to be dogmatic and nobody tells me what I can dump into the passing waters or air or aquifers.
Thank you for remembering the past which sadly did not become prologue.
Where is the bad news in this? At some point in human history we decided that this planet belonged to us rather than we belonging to it. Our arrogance has been a disaster for other life earth. Anything that reduces our numbers that doesn't involve war, disease, death and misery seems like a good thing to me. To quote The Graduate, the future is plastics. Unfortunately we see the affects of endocrine disrupters in other animals as well. Ah well, no solution is perfect.
9
The problem is all those boys wearing their tight jeans. ( Sorry, I digress )
Interesting column in the face of overwhelming population growth coupled and ravaging the planet of its resources ( especially potable water )
One only need look at Oklahoma, and its new position as the leader in seismic occurrences ( earthquakes ) and how it's top cop is now the leader of the EPA for all of the United States.
It's enough to cocoon yourself in plastic.
Interesting column in the face of overwhelming population growth coupled and ravaging the planet of its resources ( especially potable water )
One only need look at Oklahoma, and its new position as the leader in seismic occurrences ( earthquakes ) and how it's top cop is now the leader of the EPA for all of the United States.
It's enough to cocoon yourself in plastic.
10
Overpopulation. All these changes in reproductive pattern are part of evolution . Remember Darwin ! Mother Nature is taking care of our extreme demographic propensity.
4
Evolution does not work that way. Evolution is the outcome of effects not the driver of outcomes.
1
Indeed, the effects of demographic overpopulation are causing changes in the reproductive system together with environmental causes. This is also obvious in the profound changes of our gender identity.
Evolution doesn't work that way. It doesn't somehow magically sense a need for a change. Changes are random but selection for the good changes (and against the bad ones) happens after the fact. The long term effect may look like 'mother nature' planned a population reduction, but that's not the case.
1
Maybe this can be cured by the over the counter libido enhancing vitamin cocktails I see for sale at convenience stores--- with a picture on the package of a lady screaming in orgasm? Or maybe just go ahead and eat some oysters. Somehow, I don't think any of that is going to work.
In all seriousness, a very disturbing piece. It does make one wonder what is driving the transgender movement. Why is it happening? Perhaps there is an environmental component to this. Nice work Kristof.
In all seriousness, a very disturbing piece. It does make one wonder what is driving the transgender movement. Why is it happening? Perhaps there is an environmental component to this. Nice work Kristof.
9
Yup. Mankind is both too stupid and too smart to survive as a species. If our sunscreen doesn't get us, global warming will.
7
Given the worldwide overpopulation problem, this sperm cloud could have a silver lining.
3
Good. The less population on the planet, the better. Why reproduce? Today the middle-class jobs are disappearing so fast, how many jobs will be left in 20-25 years time for today's children?
7
The best thing that could happen to the rest of the natural world is for mankind to peter out. Fast.
5
Good. This will be a kinder, gentler world when the cockroaches are back to running the joint.
Glyphosate, the Roundup chemical in all the GMO crops is an endocrine disrupter. Plants have developed resistance and so farmers spray even more chemicals on their crops. This means you can be assured of a more highly poisoned food/ingredient while you get your homones disrupted. What a deal.
Another good reason to insist on GMO labeling.
Another good reason to insist on GMO labeling.
11
Resistance to glyphosate is in some GMOs not all.
What about cars? The plastics use plasticizers, including pthalates which are notorious endocrine disrupters. They're on everything you touch in car, including steering wheels, knobs, handles and seats. They also offgas into the air you breathe. That new car smell contains many known toxins.
2
Lets not forget the cell phones which contain a warning on the back of the box stating that "This product contains chemicals known in the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects and other REPRODUCTIVE HARM"
Can these phones be sold in California? I bought this phone at Walmart in upstate NY. When I wanted to buy a new slip cover for my Toyota, the car seat had the same warning. I wouldn't buy it. I did buy the Samsung Galaxy Luna phone and of course my son wants to use it. This is a big problem.
Can these phones be sold in California? I bought this phone at Walmart in upstate NY. When I wanted to buy a new slip cover for my Toyota, the car seat had the same warning. I wouldn't buy it. I did buy the Samsung Galaxy Luna phone and of course my son wants to use it. This is a big problem.
1
Sperm do not "fertilize" the egg. Each sperm and ovum provide half the genetic endowment of a person. The words we use affect how we imagine each gender. For too long the sperm which means "seed" perpetuates the notion that the man creates the child while the words "fertile" and "barren" applied to women perpetuate the ancient notion that women are like "fields" in which it is planted. And allows some men to think women are merely "hosts" for the child. This must change.
13
Excellent post.
1
Ms. Atwood can now write "A Handmaid's Male".
10
Actually fewer sperm in Homo sapiens is a trend. Human males put out far fewer sperm than Chimps. Given that the world is over run by people and not Chimps I would not worry too much. And we can always fix broken genes with CRISPR-cas9 with our terrific TrumpCare plans.
The popular conception (no pun intended), historically characterized, naturally, by male scientists, is that "millions of sperm begin their [business]: rushing toward an egg to fertilize it."
But is such macho male action towards the docile female egg scientifically accurate? No, not really. Actually, it is the egg that is moved many centimeters over a period of time to MEET the sperm, which pretty much simply lies in wait. Sure the sperms squirm, but it is actually egg movement INTO the male semen that initiates fertilization. It is really the female component that is the active actor.
I guess the "winners" not only get to write History, but also Biology too...
But is such macho male action towards the docile female egg scientifically accurate? No, not really. Actually, it is the egg that is moved many centimeters over a period of time to MEET the sperm, which pretty much simply lies in wait. Sure the sperms squirm, but it is actually egg movement INTO the male semen that initiates fertilization. It is really the female component that is the active actor.
I guess the "winners" not only get to write History, but also Biology too...
12
Time to abolish the EPA!
Now, I say! No EPA!
Without delay! Do it today!
Deny the science and silence its say!
Time to abolish the EPA!
Now, I say! No EPA!
Without delay! Do it today!
Deny the science and silence its say!
Time to abolish the EPA!
4
As a public official I intend to ask the Pensacola City Council to adopt a green cleaning policy and integrated pest management control. Mr. Kristof, thanks for helping me make my case by writing this profound and powerful article. Sherri Myers, Pensacola City Council, District 2. Pensacola, Florida.
With so many potential toxins around us, we need political leadership looking out for us and our health. But the EPA, Congress and White House are now fueled by science-deniers, the oil industry, and big-business interests concerned only with their bottom line.
Thank you, Mr. Kristof, for consistently sounding those rare, needed words of warning about the hazards we face daily.
Thank you, Mr. Kristof, for consistently sounding those rare, needed words of warning about the hazards we face daily.
Remember diethylstilbestrol (DES) that was given to millions of women in the US/Europe from the late '30s to the early '70s to "prevent" miscarriages, and turned out to be not only ineffective, but also be a WHOPPER of an endocrine disrupter? DES mothers/children/grandchildren are still affected by this unproven/untested drug. All affected have higher risks of breast cancer, cervical cancer, penis and/or testicle size, sterility, emotional disturbances, sexual orientation issues, possible connections to auto-immune illnesses, etc. Here's a good link about endocrine disruptors, including DES. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine
4
One might wonder if the enormous increase in the number of autistic children--the vast majority of them male--might also have something to do with this. I just don't understand how or why our environment has become a "political" issue. Don't Republicans have kids too?
5
Republicans have decided short term economic benefits trump health, science, and long term economic growth. They are a criminal party.
3
What a relief! This planet is choking from stupid and arrogant self-proclaimed Homo Sapiens.
4
Could there be any correlation between this and the current phenomenon of LGBTQ "visibility"? Without wishing to sound flippant, 50 years ago I never seemed to notice so many folks who did not "identify" as exclusively male or female heterosexual.
But then perhaps I am just getting old and cranky.
In "The Graduate" (also 50 years ago), Mr. McGuire tells Ben Braddock -"just one word: ... Plastics", it now ironically appears to be much more than simple businessman-buffoonery.
And then prophetically the next line:
"There's a great future in plastics. Think about it. Will you think about it?"
But then perhaps I am just getting old and cranky.
In "The Graduate" (also 50 years ago), Mr. McGuire tells Ben Braddock -"just one word: ... Plastics", it now ironically appears to be much more than simple businessman-buffoonery.
And then prophetically the next line:
"There's a great future in plastics. Think about it. Will you think about it?"
4
So are we sure being gay or having gender dysphoria are a ok? Only poor swimming and two heads or tails, those are the only manifestations of toxins we're introducing into the environment? And how many people did we think we want on this tiny, polluted, warming, blue ball? It would be really great if we could stop and reverse both the pollution and the overbreeding, but it's more likely that we will choke in our own filth and excess.
5
Today I read Margaret Atwood's article about A Handmaid's Tale, so the subject of widespread infertility has come up twice in one day. Is that where we're headed--the dystopia described in her book? Could happen.
4
I appreciate your concern that lobbyists will sap and impurify our precious bodily fluids.
At some point you gotta pick your fights, Nick.
At some point you gotta pick your fights, Nick.
2
On behalf of all plants and animals everywhere...yessss!
7
Surely no one believes that the Trump government will protect humans beings in any way that will threaten the profits of an industry! Remember how long the tobacco and the asbestos stood their grounds, disregarding sickness and death of millions caused by their products? Ask yourself what are Trump's values. Are they citizens' welfare or the unfettered profits of corporations?
7
We have poisoned everything else on the planet, why not ourselves?
8
This is good news for the earth. I'm rejoicing.
4
This is alarming...not surprising but alarming. Why is this not global front page headline news? This is important. Q: Why are these dangerous poisons allowed at all? Oh right, I forgot....because someone makes a profit. Right.
10
How ingenious of Nick Kristof. Of course, most of the Great White Males leading Congress and the White House do not care that the US is saturated with toxins that cause cancers, birth defects, and retard neurological and brain development.
But they might care about their own sperm or that of their sons! Perhaps one or two might care enough to reconsider slashing environmental regulations.
But they might care about their own sperm or that of their sons! Perhaps one or two might care enough to reconsider slashing environmental regulations.
16
Good article. Links to sources would be helpful. The sharp decline in Hunan in such a short time period does not bode well.
6
Might there be any connection between these endocrine disruptors and the gender identity issues many seem to be facing today? Is anyone studying this?
6
We used to use glass containers and could again.
7
All the more reason to stop eating fish- There are more toxins in fish than beef. Our once great oceans are now polluted. A sad day for the planet- our once beautiful planet.
11
The oceans and planet are polluted by and with...humans, all 7.5 billion useless, resource sucking one of us.
And it doesn't stop here with humans. Other species, namely dogs, are also affected, and probably others that depend on humans to feed and water them.
5
So the human species may exit with a whimper and not a bang . . . the end of a dangerous self-annihilating species.
12
Perhaps PETA should shift it's dramatic protest efforts to protecting humans from the monstrous experiment industry is performing on the species as a whole. The question I have is, for this experiment, where is the control group?
4
Is it any wonder that IVF is now being used on younger and younger women? So many couples have "unexplained" inferility. Now Big Pharma makes money both ways - one, by peddling unnecessary and harmful chemicals in our food and cosmetics, then by supplying IVF doctors with tons of additional chemicals to "correct" the problem.
6
If you suspect that Roundup is a major endocrine disrupter, switch to organic wheat. Regular wheat carries an inordinate load of glyphosate.
As in The Graduate, "plastics my boy" was more prescient than we could have imagined.
2
Cut the research, it's just a slush fund, let make America great again!
5
Oh yes, Mr Pruitt, let's dismantle the EPA just as soon as we can.
19
And Trump wants to cut the FDA and remove regulations that might stop some company from making one more dollar.
9
A movie had been made about this, "Children of Men."
7
endocrine disruptors in the form of polyvinyls -- in everything from plastic food wraps and containers to shower curtains -- has also been blamed for the increasingly early onset of puberty in both girls and boys. the average age has dropped significantly.
7
Do you suppose lead water lines played any role? I know when my husband was given the sentence that he wouldn't reproduce after a surgery, an attorney advised us not to sue, because my husband's constant contact with lead in water lines.
5
This is the Handmaid's Tale.
8
Thank you for bringing this issue to light in a place where the people (men) in a position to take action, are likely to see it. Do they know that some of the most prevalent chemicals used on lawns and golf courses are endocrine disruptors. Do they know that effects also include erectile dysfunction and enlarged breasts? There are effective natural alternatives, let's hope you have raised some interest in them.
2
Product manufacturers should have to prove their products safe before introducing them. If they lie, they must pay AND go to jail.
7
What we have here is a very simple problem. We are exposed to a large variety of various poisons and chemicals , each of which is low enough that we should be able to withstand it. The problem arises because no one, not government, not doctors, not researchers, no one ever stops to consider the sum total of all these poisons and chemicals used together. Chemicals in our houses, in our foods, in our food packaging, in the air we breath. Without this oversight we are witnessing our slow death.
7
There are two things, and frankly I think they are linked, that we try to avoid in our home: plastics and advertising. We do not have a t.v. and toss every ad that comes in our mail. Our furniture is made of solid wood; our rugs are wool; our curtains are cotton or silk; our pots are copper clad steel; our clothing is made from organic sources. I have switched from women's jeans to men's because women's jeans are no longer pure cotton. Our food is sourced locally when possible and fresh. We avoid packaged, processed grocery items. Why do we do this? It is expensive and inconvenient.
We do this because it is the only way to reduce - impossible to eliminate - the amount of toxins we are exposed to daily. Both advertising and plastics are toxic to human life. The first encourages us to desire what is not healthy, and the second delivers the poisons. We are human beings, not vessels for corporate exploitation.
We do this because it is the only way to reduce - impossible to eliminate - the amount of toxins we are exposed to daily. Both advertising and plastics are toxic to human life. The first encourages us to desire what is not healthy, and the second delivers the poisons. We are human beings, not vessels for corporate exploitation.
10
Solid wood furniture, wool rugs, and silk drapes are a wonderful thing if you can afford it. Many of us are not so fortunate and have to make do with particle board and polyester. This is what legislation is for– to protect those stuck with dangerous and disadvantageous options. Quality of life shouldn't be a prize for those who can afford it.
6
I could not agree with you more wholeheartedly. It is outrageous that our government does nothing to protect us all from the chemical assault on our bodies.
However, to achieve the detoxing of our home, we generally buy products produced before the '60s when fewer toxic chemicals were in use. Our house was built in 1904, so there are no drapes, carpets, or vinyl window casings off-gassing chemicals. For example, we clean with the old fashioned stuff: vinegar, bleach, ammonia, lemon, and baking soda. It is both better for us and the environment with the added bonus of being cheaper as well.
An additional bonus, to us, is that no t.v. and no latest gimmicky refrigerator means the Big Brother of corporate America has a more difficult monitoring our lives electronically to "offer" us services we do not need.
Having some control over our lives and our privacy is worth the effort and, importantly, doesn't need to be prohibitively expensive.
However, to achieve the detoxing of our home, we generally buy products produced before the '60s when fewer toxic chemicals were in use. Our house was built in 1904, so there are no drapes, carpets, or vinyl window casings off-gassing chemicals. For example, we clean with the old fashioned stuff: vinegar, bleach, ammonia, lemon, and baking soda. It is both better for us and the environment with the added bonus of being cheaper as well.
An additional bonus, to us, is that no t.v. and no latest gimmicky refrigerator means the Big Brother of corporate America has a more difficult monitoring our lives electronically to "offer" us services we do not need.
Having some control over our lives and our privacy is worth the effort and, importantly, doesn't need to be prohibitively expensive.
2
This is nature's way of saying that there are too many humans. She will find a way to restore balance in the end.
8
By creating plastics with harmful chemicals in them? This is man in his arrogance and greed ignoring the harm he can do in the pursuit of money? Just like tobacco doesn't cause cancer. Their idea is if sow mine doesn't die immediately from the chemical it must be safe.
3
And Trump's deregulation binge will probably not make this better!
12
What about the plastic trays in frozen dinners? They are heated along with the food, how dangerous are they?
Hmm, "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood has some relevance here.
If each sexual "episode" is less likely to result in a pregnancy, the obvious solution is to have more sexual "episodes". Who could argue with that?
Along w CLimate Change, one of the seminal problems we now face.
2
Seriously -- how can one avoid plastics in daily life. Even metal cans are coated with plastic inside these days.
Plastic is used on everything and is everywhere at any store I see. Good luck trying to avoid plastics. If they are killing us you would have to live on your own farm to avoid them and even then....
Plastic is used on everything and is everywhere at any store I see. Good luck trying to avoid plastics. If they are killing us you would have to live on your own farm to avoid them and even then....
4
This is a trend that has gone on since humans began to evolve into Homo sapiens. The sperm count for chimps is higher that that of humans. Humans have over run the planet with more than seven billions people. Chimps are on the decline. Low sperm count may actually be a good thing
9
Ultimately, the solution is not so much more regulation, though that's necessary. The real solution is shifting the way we do Everything from working against nature's ways to working with and within them - to harnessing nature's own creativity and wisdom instead of ignoring or defying it.
In any case, if bad sperm doesn't make men wake up, what will?
In any case, if bad sperm doesn't make men wake up, what will?
5
But it's women who are the primary users of plastics, make-up and estrogen.
WOMEN must wake up.
WOMEN must wake up.
1
What always puzzles me is the fact that despite all this pollution, life expectancy has gone up dramatically over past decades. One wonders, therefore, whether a reduction in fecundity may be compounded by this increase in life expectancy. It is obvious that the longer we expect to live, the longer we can postpone the decision to have children. Biology, however, has not quite caught up with this, though eventually it might, because of selection: surviving children, increasingly born to older parents, may themselves maintain fertility to older age, so that in the end the reproductive period may be extended along with increased life expectancy. Unless, of course, pollution or other events have acted faster....
2
At the age of 42 I had a sperm count done and had only 20% of a normal man of the 1990's. Looking deeper I found that sperm counts have been going down since the beginning of the 20th Century. Another reason family size is down in recent times.
The chemical industry has a big hand in this. There are many compounds that enter your body right through the skin without your knowledge.
The "y" chromosome is in danger from pheromones and sex altering chemicals out in the world endangering not just people but animals and the world as we understand it.
Every man is a differentiated female not the other way around.
The chemical industry has a big hand in this. There are many compounds that enter your body right through the skin without your knowledge.
The "y" chromosome is in danger from pheromones and sex altering chemicals out in the world endangering not just people but animals and the world as we understand it.
Every man is a differentiated female not the other way around.
11
I have observed that what once was an atypical male shape - more padding in the hip and thigh region - has become commonplace among men under 40 or 50.
While we ask those in government to do something about the proliferation of estrogen and estrogen-mimicking substances in our environment, there is a lot we can do to to protect future generations: Fertilizers and pesticides are two of the largest culprits; fortunately, growing weeds or rocks in your yard is very easy to do and has no downsides. Decreasing the application of household and personal-care products is also easy to do and saves money; (for example, wearing sun-protective clothing rather than sunscreen, smaller amounts of shampoo or laundry detergent are usually as effective as larger amounts); many air fresheners, cosmetics, and other items that make people and things smell or look "good" are completely unnecessary. The many products covered by the list above, contain hormone-disrupting chemicals, and the plastic they are packaged in does as well. And to add to the list of plastic items we could all use a lot less of: water and soda bottles, grocery bags, sandwich bags, plastic toys, gadgets, holiday decorations and hundreds of other of disposable or easy to break junk.
While we ask those in government to do something about the proliferation of estrogen and estrogen-mimicking substances in our environment, there is a lot we can do to to protect future generations: Fertilizers and pesticides are two of the largest culprits; fortunately, growing weeds or rocks in your yard is very easy to do and has no downsides. Decreasing the application of household and personal-care products is also easy to do and saves money; (for example, wearing sun-protective clothing rather than sunscreen, smaller amounts of shampoo or laundry detergent are usually as effective as larger amounts); many air fresheners, cosmetics, and other items that make people and things smell or look "good" are completely unnecessary. The many products covered by the list above, contain hormone-disrupting chemicals, and the plastic they are packaged in does as well. And to add to the list of plastic items we could all use a lot less of: water and soda bottles, grocery bags, sandwich bags, plastic toys, gadgets, holiday decorations and hundreds of other of disposable or easy to break junk.
10
There seems to be several other potential "suspects" missing from Mr. Kristof's op-ed; such as the over dependence use of medications, illicit drugs, processed foods, the over abundance of sugars in diets, as well as poor dietary habitats.
No doubt chemicals from pesticides plastics, and other derivatives from petroleum products have an impact not only on our health and reproduction functions, however to what extent does certain industry practices (marketing, lobbying etc) contribute to all health issues without examining the personal choices people make?
No doubt chemicals from pesticides plastics, and other derivatives from petroleum products have an impact not only on our health and reproduction functions, however to what extent does certain industry practices (marketing, lobbying etc) contribute to all health issues without examining the personal choices people make?
3
In addition, another potential factor missing is what role has contraceptive practices, particularly condoms have on the reduction of healthy sperm and testicular health issues, since condoms usually are lubricated with spermicidal agents to prevent pregnancy?
Does Mr. Kristof dare not to question the use of contraceptives as a potential factor in this issue because it may then delegitimize several other social ideals of liberals (issuing of condoms in high schools for one) and legitimize the conservative right views in respect to sexual practices?
Does Mr. Kristof dare not to question the use of contraceptives as a potential factor in this issue because it may then delegitimize several other social ideals of liberals (issuing of condoms in high schools for one) and legitimize the conservative right views in respect to sexual practices?
4
Have you heard the phrase "knocking down a straw man"? That is what you have just done.
First you posit that condom use is affecting sperm counts, with absolutely no evidence or reasoning.
Then you dare Mr. Kristoff to question the use of contraceptives, and claim that the whole low sperm count thing delegitimizes liberal social ideals.
You set up the straw man (what if it's condoms!?) then you knock down the straw man (It shows the delegitimacy of liberal ideals!). Then you feel you have made some kind of point. But you haven't.
First you posit that condom use is affecting sperm counts, with absolutely no evidence or reasoning.
Then you dare Mr. Kristoff to question the use of contraceptives, and claim that the whole low sperm count thing delegitimizes liberal social ideals.
You set up the straw man (what if it's condoms!?) then you knock down the straw man (It shows the delegitimacy of liberal ideals!). Then you feel you have made some kind of point. But you haven't.
4
It really isn't news, but there has been a slow accumulation of data over years now. Frogs have been suffering effects from exposure to multiple chemicals - for, what, 30- 40 years?
This is one area in which the general public's lack of understanding of science is the biggest roadblock to enhanced regulation - without a hue and cry demanding improved regulation , the government will not act. The current administration is in fact headed toward 1950 ... Add the incredible political power (wealth) of the companies involved, which certainly in the US has been the biggest factor in failure to address the worries.
I can appreciate the role that the chemical industry has played in increasing agricultural yields - the word chemical is not a curse - but the indifference to damage done - to animals, insects, the biota or large regions is criminal. When you add the astounding amounts of herbicides and pesticides that individual homeowners use - not to grow necessary food but for appearances- we definitely have met the enemy and it is us.
For so many issues we come down to lack of controls on political contributions, and a poorly educated population, one where many have been disenfranchised financially - - - the battle is political.
This is one area in which the general public's lack of understanding of science is the biggest roadblock to enhanced regulation - without a hue and cry demanding improved regulation , the government will not act. The current administration is in fact headed toward 1950 ... Add the incredible political power (wealth) of the companies involved, which certainly in the US has been the biggest factor in failure to address the worries.
I can appreciate the role that the chemical industry has played in increasing agricultural yields - the word chemical is not a curse - but the indifference to damage done - to animals, insects, the biota or large regions is criminal. When you add the astounding amounts of herbicides and pesticides that individual homeowners use - not to grow necessary food but for appearances- we definitely have met the enemy and it is us.
For so many issues we come down to lack of controls on political contributions, and a poorly educated population, one where many have been disenfranchised financially - - - the battle is political.
20
I'm a PhD chemist. Mr Kristof is right, there is definitely something causing lowered sperm counts. The connection to chemicals is there to some extent, and should be looked at by an impartial group of scientists and then the recommended actions helped along by a govt. For instance, with sufficient drivers, the industry (which isn't just chemical makers, it needs food processors to demand the change too) is now rolling out BPA free can linings. Technically, there can be solutions. But straight capitalism isn't too good about this kind of thing.
I had some lowered sperm counts when we were trying to have kids, and did some reading on the subject. There are quite a few other possible causes. One scientifically vetted cause is simply having a warm lap. This reduces sperm count and makes them less healthy as I recall. Men tend to have pretty warm privates nowadays. Too much sitting, jobs that involve being dressed up, sitting in meetings, etc. There are really quite a few other possibilities as well. Less sleep, more stress, different daily activities. So much has changed in the last 100 years. So IMO, it may be mostly due to lifestyle changes, with chemical exposure also being a possible contributor.
I had some lowered sperm counts when we were trying to have kids, and did some reading on the subject. There are quite a few other possible causes. One scientifically vetted cause is simply having a warm lap. This reduces sperm count and makes them less healthy as I recall. Men tend to have pretty warm privates nowadays. Too much sitting, jobs that involve being dressed up, sitting in meetings, etc. There are really quite a few other possibilities as well. Less sleep, more stress, different daily activities. So much has changed in the last 100 years. So IMO, it may be mostly due to lifestyle changes, with chemical exposure also being a possible contributor.
9
That might explain some of it in humans but that doesn't explain the problem in fish. They live in the waters in which we put our chemicals. We only treat waste water for sewage but every chemical, including all the birth control pills women take, all the hair and bath products we use, end up in water. And fish increasingly are exhibiting male and female characteristics in the same fish.
The truth is we have screwed up our world in the name of money. Those that profit from it fight tooth and nail to keep it going and deny all responsibility. The Koch brother's plants are among the worst polluters in the country, according to the former EPA. And now it will only get worse as we have Mr. Less Regulation in the White House.
The truth is we have screwed up our world in the name of money. Those that profit from it fight tooth and nail to keep it going and deny all responsibility. The Koch brother's plants are among the worst polluters in the country, according to the former EPA. And now it will only get worse as we have Mr. Less Regulation in the White House.
2
And to add insult to injury (sorry, Nicholas...here comes that name) Trump, his administration and the GOP have already taken away some of the regulations that protect us and are chomping at the bit to do more. There is a climate change (and now carbon dioxide) denier heading the EPA who thinks the coal industry will not pollute streams; a Secretary of the Interior who has voted to wipe out wilderness protections, against all bathrooms "baby" friendly, and turn over public lands to states; a candidate for head of the FDA who not only is making his money as a venture capitalist, but is in the pocket of big pharma; and Trump himself is making promises (and supporting them) of introducing even more petroleum and coal into our economy again and deregulate, deregulate, deregulate -- in the interest of making more money. So, Mr. Kristof, what is the solution? Are the science fiction novels about test-tube humans the future our species needs to focus on in order to survive? Not a pleasant thought.
12
The effects of endocrine disruptors on male reproduction and development is well known and has been for years. The relationship between these pollutants and petroleum products has been largely hidden from the public, especially by industry controlled media. What a horrible way to make a buck! The public must understand this causal relationship, which is real and dangerous for everyone, even Republicans. Endocrine disruptors also affect women. Are they responsible for some breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers? There is also a growing body of literature which suggests a relationship between in utero exposure and increased rates of Autism, ADD/HD, and an increasing incidence of rare, genetic problems in children. No wonder Trump wants to shut down the NIH! If there is ever a better reason to reduce exposure to petroleum products, plastics, automobiles, coal runoff and other horrific pollutants, it is for our children. We can choose to drive less, take the train, use glass over plastic, plant a garden, buy natural products, and to vote for our children. This is a right to life issue.
15
Here's a mind-boggling story that is relevant to this column. There's an area in Louisiana where the air and water are so toxic children and adults are dying from cancer and other related illnesses. But the people who live in this area do not want government to come in and regulate the corporations who are polluting the environment because they fear their jobs will be lost. They'd rather take their chances on not being afflicted rather than take a chance on becoming unemployed. How can you even try to explain this mindset?
17
For these unfortunate people, unemployment and subsequent poverty are far more immediate threats than illnesses that may or may not occur. It was the same thing in the coal districts of Germany. Cities there were extremely polluted, with particulates as thick in the air as in China, or perhaps marginally less, but when the industry started shutting down, there was an outcry. At least the administration saw to it that those miners who lost their jobs were given the possibility - and the funds - to learn other jobs. No great chance of such programmes in the USA, I fear.
12
Well, the people are choosing between death now from starvation and/or exposure (homelessness shortens life expectancy) and possible death later from cancer. Pretty simple, really.
5
You don't explain it. You let nature take its course.
Sad little sperm. All dressed up and nowhere to go.
I'm thinking that this might not be the worst consequence of our polluting chemistries. Given the strange behavior of the current government and their frothing supporters we would be wise to see if there might be something in the nation's potable water supplies that affects the brain.
I'm thinking that this might not be the worst consequence of our polluting chemistries. Given the strange behavior of the current government and their frothing supporters we would be wise to see if there might be something in the nation's potable water supplies that affects the brain.
17
Congressional math: The more a problem affects congress and their families the faster a plan develops to address said problem.
Solution = congress family/scale of problem
Unfortunately since congress is mostly populated by people named Richard Head don't hold your breath expecting a solution.
Solution = congress family/scale of problem
Unfortunately since congress is mostly populated by people named Richard Head don't hold your breath expecting a solution.
7
This story is over 20 years old. The Clinton administration tried to do a weak fix, at least passing legislation to investigate the problem. It seems to have gotten worse. No surprise. Add the huge amount of plastic islands in our oceans being eaten by fish, which are then eaten by humans. Global warming isn't our only environmental problem caused by industry more interested in profits than our safety and our future.
30
This seems like such a huge and worldwide problem. But while other countries take action, we ignore. The future is at stake. This demands action.
8
The information on this issue has been growing over the last few years.
It is part of the continuing toxification of our environment.
This is *exactly* the wrong time to be suppressing the work of environmental protection. However, if we humans are cut back the planet may have a better chance of recovering from our depredations.
The financial interests that are looting and exploiting our planet and treating it as a dump for their wastes in pursuit of immediate profit are not going to develop a conscience, which is why we have the Environmental Protection Agency in the first place. Older people will remember the smog, the burning rivers, and all, that caused civil society (an entity under threat) to take remedial action.
So stupid!
It is part of the continuing toxification of our environment.
This is *exactly* the wrong time to be suppressing the work of environmental protection. However, if we humans are cut back the planet may have a better chance of recovering from our depredations.
The financial interests that are looting and exploiting our planet and treating it as a dump for their wastes in pursuit of immediate profit are not going to develop a conscience, which is why we have the Environmental Protection Agency in the first place. Older people will remember the smog, the burning rivers, and all, that caused civil society (an entity under threat) to take remedial action.
So stupid!
48
I read a report on these hazards way back in the early 80s and gave it to my pupils to read (in Germany. In the USA I would have been fired on the spot for offering such a text to pupils). They were silent, then demanded to know to whom to write in protest. I gave them addresses, but - the problem persists even though all of the conservancy groups to which I belong have addressed this very issue. I guess money and the profit of the 1% count more than human beings.
10
No offense to Mr. Kristof, who seems to genuinely be a feminist, but it's irking to know that folks will finally notice this issue because it is impacting men, specifically white men, who might not have the manhood exalted by their ability to donate sperm to generate a large group of offspring.
9
Actually, this is a terrifying canary in the coal mine for all of us. It's easier to observe this (frighteningly rapid) environmental pattern in sperm than it would be in human eggs because sperm are a lot easier to get. If this is a tip-off to human developmental toxicology happening right now (seems to be), we need to learn as much as possible as quickly as possible so we can protect everyone, including yet-to-be-developed males and females. Our endocrine systems are extremely similar, so whatever's going on here matters to females too. (And I also assume some females like males enough to care if they are environmentally poisoned.)
Also, where did you get that this was somehow about white men specifically? I believe I saw a Chinese cohort mentioned... Taking broad environmental toxicology that affects all of us into the white-vs.-everyone-else paradigm you seem to espouse is a great way to turn science into politics but won't help protect the public from a threat we barely understand. We have to figure what the heck is going on first. Once we know that we can begin addressing inequalities, which are certainly possible and even likely.
Also, where did you get that this was somehow about white men specifically? I believe I saw a Chinese cohort mentioned... Taking broad environmental toxicology that affects all of us into the white-vs.-everyone-else paradigm you seem to espouse is a great way to turn science into politics but won't help protect the public from a threat we barely understand. We have to figure what the heck is going on first. Once we know that we can begin addressing inequalities, which are certainly possible and even likely.
17
Re-read the article. It contains a reference to a study of Chinese men suffering declining sperm counts.
The brilliance of this article is that he addresses only how these EDs affect men. A great many of the men in our current state/federal government have rather repressive attitudes re: women's reproductive choices and health. But these same male leaders ARE very interested in their own (and other's) male virility/reproductive health. It is akin to their sexual identity and ego. Men, including many of these afore-mentioned leaders, will read this with eyes wide and immediately, profoundly internalize the information, and take some action. After years of attempting to have such problems addressed in other ways, Kristoff may have found the only viable path to ensure some success in regulating of these horrific threats to our health and existence.
1
A greatly reduced human population is a consummation devoutly to be wished, especially by the oligarchs who own the planet at the dawn of mass robotic adaption. UN Agenda 21 envisions a world population of 1 billion humans in order to achieve 'balance' for sustainable agriculture in harmony with the earth's needs. Republicans are doing their best to assure the 1 billion survivors will be ethnically and morally 'pure' by weeding out support and eventually life-saving treatments for those of limited means, intelligence and ethnic derivation. Only those most useful and productive to the .001% of financiers and multinationalists who benefit from the release of toxins into our air and water will be allowed to breed. The Koch Brothers, the Heritage Foundation and other 'think tanks' are orchestrating an era when a few dozen feudal families will rule the earth like medieval gods, with just enough powerless subjects at their feet to do their chores and bidding. This depopulation is the stated goal of Walton, Rothschild, Rockefeller, Thyssen, Mellon, Astor and other 'old world' families whose wealth is seldom published in the Forbes 500 list.
10
Oh, beautifully-phrased! I wanted to comment on reduction of the human population and impoverishment of the extant gene pool, but you have created a scenario better than the one I wanted to write. Thanks, Tuna!
Maybe, but not entirely likely.
However, the bulk of ordinary citizens are more than willing enablers of these economic systems, that focus on dominance and profits.
Go to any Costco or Walmart, day or night and find the hordes of humanity, more than willing to give everything they have, earnings, savings and first borns if need be, to attain a sliver of happiness and yes, survival.
Little or no attention is given to whether the money spent is lining the pockets of the wealth few and whether the products we buy at these giant retailers are even remotely valued at the price they are offered.
In fact, the opposite is true. Walmart and other sell you so called bargains that are mostly rip offs, merely a way to siphon money from you and me to them.
However, the bulk of ordinary citizens are more than willing enablers of these economic systems, that focus on dominance and profits.
Go to any Costco or Walmart, day or night and find the hordes of humanity, more than willing to give everything they have, earnings, savings and first borns if need be, to attain a sliver of happiness and yes, survival.
Little or no attention is given to whether the money spent is lining the pockets of the wealth few and whether the products we buy at these giant retailers are even remotely valued at the price they are offered.
In fact, the opposite is true. Walmart and other sell you so called bargains that are mostly rip offs, merely a way to siphon money from you and me to them.
1
With so much miniscule plastic particles ingested by ocean creatures and rising through the food chain, it would seem that the inevitable must be either genetic adaptation (too slow to make a difference by catching up) OR the living end of a species of dubious worth to the planet.
Readers this has been coming on for quite some time and really very little governmental concern has been expressed. This article will stir up not much and again it will fade away. Remember, it is a very unpleasant topic as we are become basicly plastic people, now symbiotic with a man-made substance consumed by the organic planet of all creatures. The same issue effects the entire reproductive cycle of the entire food chain.
So. not with a "bang" but a whimper we peter-out as a species?
Readers this has been coming on for quite some time and really very little governmental concern has been expressed. This article will stir up not much and again it will fade away. Remember, it is a very unpleasant topic as we are become basicly plastic people, now symbiotic with a man-made substance consumed by the organic planet of all creatures. The same issue effects the entire reproductive cycle of the entire food chain.
So. not with a "bang" but a whimper we peter-out as a species?
10
If we survive it, our ancestors- if we have any- will in 50 years or so be looking back at the present era with total incredulity.
They will lament our ignorance at allowing industry to manipulate the citizenry, manufacturing and selling products like these without proper testing and understanding of their chemically produced environmental side effects.
You can hear it already.
"Can you believe that they actually paved their streets, right in front of their homes, with hot petroleum asphalt! And all along they new that it would be exuding strong vapors of benzene, toluene..... and never associating these carcinogenic compounds with their high cancer rates! But their markets were totally dominated by major petroleum corporations that ran the government for years."
They will lament our ignorance at allowing industry to manipulate the citizenry, manufacturing and selling products like these without proper testing and understanding of their chemically produced environmental side effects.
You can hear it already.
"Can you believe that they actually paved their streets, right in front of their homes, with hot petroleum asphalt! And all along they new that it would be exuding strong vapors of benzene, toluene..... and never associating these carcinogenic compounds with their high cancer rates! But their markets were totally dominated by major petroleum corporations that ran the government for years."
23
This assumes the people fifty years hence will be educated and intelligent. Somehow, that assumption seems far fetched at our present rate of deterioration.
6
Your ancestors are long gone. I think you mean your descendants.
Simply because something limits population growth does not make it a good thing. While it is extremely important to limit population growth, and it would be great to be on a path to a significantly lower world population, the path or method is critical. Massacres are not acceptable, even if they do reduce population. Similarly, general poisoning is not acceptable either.
Education and employment opportunities for women, greater security of children's survival, and social security for the elderly are parts of a healthy path to lower population. Not reproductive toxins -- they are the equivalent of war gases.
Education and employment opportunities for women, greater security of children's survival, and social security for the elderly are parts of a healthy path to lower population. Not reproductive toxins -- they are the equivalent of war gases.
17
We have a choice in methods of curbing population. We can choose the degree of pain we want. So far we are choosing methods near the painful end of the spectrum. This one is better than the ones we are mostly choosing, except perhaps for the impact on the environment.
3
The problem is 50 years of not enough humans choosing ANY means of birth control. That is how the human population has DOUBLED since the 1960s, as well as the population of the U.S., btw, bringing with it all the pernicious issues that divide us so strongly.
1
We are profoundly short-sighted both as individuals and as companies. Men define potency as the ability to sustain an erection even if it requires help from drugs. We do not consider potency to be defined as the ability to father children.
Companies pour chemicals into the environment (and therefore to us) with abandon in the search of the short term profits possible. What do they care if this depopulates the planet (and reduces their consumer base)?
Sustainability is not just something we liberals obsess about over coffee. It is a requirement for life and health for all of us.
Companies pour chemicals into the environment (and therefore to us) with abandon in the search of the short term profits possible. What do they care if this depopulates the planet (and reduces their consumer base)?
Sustainability is not just something we liberals obsess about over coffee. It is a requirement for life and health for all of us.
20
Chemical companies that make products for farming have an ironclad lock on agriculture. Farmers cannot survive without using these chemicals and they know it and are not happy about it, but what can they do?
1
Every single problem humanity now faces is due to overpopulation. As a species, we brought this mess on ourselves, and if this means more impotent men -- and far less unwanted children -- then it's a good thing.
10
Unfortunately, what it more seriously means is a much greater proportion of congenitally unhealthy and deformed children. And that would be the real tragedy.
5
John H
There is no reason to believe that there will be "far [fewer] unwanted children", only that there will be far fewer children. Yes, that will reduce the population, but not in an optimal way. The best route is through free, or nearly free, and unfettered access to birth control for the planet's women, coupled with education. Those two things, female education and birth control, will result in a voluntary reduction in child birth. Research in the developing world shows that women do not necessarily want a large number of children, but the workings of patriarchy force them to have multiple pregnancies that stress their bodies and enslave their lives.
More birth control, access to abortion, basic education are better ways to reduce population growth than exposure to toxic chemicals.
There is no reason to believe that there will be "far [fewer] unwanted children", only that there will be far fewer children. Yes, that will reduce the population, but not in an optimal way. The best route is through free, or nearly free, and unfettered access to birth control for the planet's women, coupled with education. Those two things, female education and birth control, will result in a voluntary reduction in child birth. Research in the developing world shows that women do not necessarily want a large number of children, but the workings of patriarchy force them to have multiple pregnancies that stress their bodies and enslave their lives.
More birth control, access to abortion, basic education are better ways to reduce population growth than exposure to toxic chemicals.
8
And welcome back to survival of those best adapted to a toxic environment. Although, with our relatively slow switch of generations, we may not manage to pass on useful gegetic adaptations fast enough, unless epigenetic modifications prove of adaptive value....
2
Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Processed Food companies have been doing a massive science experiment on us all for decades. And here we are.
When we need competence and nimble thinking the most, our government is filled with bureaucrats chosen specifically to break the departments they oversee. so the problem you highlight here, will worsen.
Our day to day life, more and more, is resembling the dystopian film "Children of Men"..deformed sperm and the same chemicals impacting women, might turn ud into the babbles society defended into environmental ruin and civil chaos the movie so devastatingly portrayed.
When we need competence and nimble thinking the most, our government is filled with bureaucrats chosen specifically to break the departments they oversee. so the problem you highlight here, will worsen.
Our day to day life, more and more, is resembling the dystopian film "Children of Men"..deformed sperm and the same chemicals impacting women, might turn ud into the babbles society defended into environmental ruin and civil chaos the movie so devastatingly portrayed.
18
baby-less society
4
Kristof gets it right here to bring this to our attention. We are poisoning ourselves and our children. In terms of birth control, the human species could use more of it but not in this way. Clean water is becoming such a precious and rare commodity. Each spring, it's amazing to see how lawn fertilizers and weed killer chemicals increase in the water supply (all within 'acceptable' limits of course..wink..wink). Even if not drinking bottled water, fluoride and chlorine are known to disrupt the thyroid.
18
The major influence on human reproduction is estrogen. Estrogen has become ubiquitous in the environment. The majority of estrogen in the environment comes from plastics. Plastic is the major component of manufacturing. The amount of estrogen in humans has risen exponentially since the invention of plastic. How this is ever going to be reversed is unclear, but fewer humans in the world is not a problem but a blessing. Fewer people, less plastics and other chemicals that contain estrogen. But it is an individual choice as to what we purchase and what we use in our everyday life. This requires a level of critical thinking that is absent in our culture. We have come to believe all the lies that corporations through their advertising mind control told us we must have to live a useful and happy life. Take a stroll around any big box store, grocery store, or the ubiquitous pharmacy, and the amount of useless and frivolous junk is mind blowing. Until we learn how to disconnect from the lies brought to us over the electronic medias and instead think for ourselves, the junk will always be with us, and so will the estrogen.
37
if i were even for a moment concerned that we (the human species) is closed to being extinct I would now panic.
as such this send a problem more fit the animal world that we have created for them. ergo, or demise can only be good for those animals.
as such this send a problem more fit the animal world that we have created for them. ergo, or demise can only be good for those animals.
2
Ah, but the animals are also awash in toxic chemicals. They cannot escape them.
Our children are born pre-polluted. Toxic chemicals are past to them from their mother's polluted bodies in utero.
Sad, isn't it? One wonders how the C-suite executives of the plastics industry and Big Agra live with themselves. Then, one remembers that these industries are run by men like Trump who lie straight-faced and think only of themselves and the mystery is solved.
Our children are born pre-polluted. Toxic chemicals are past to them from their mother's polluted bodies in utero.
Sad, isn't it? One wonders how the C-suite executives of the plastics industry and Big Agra live with themselves. Then, one remembers that these industries are run by men like Trump who lie straight-faced and think only of themselves and the mystery is solved.
6
Well I think differently: Better us than them. After all, we are the most cruel and destructive species on the planet. Horribly, we are about the metastasize to Mars!
We need vastly more research on the effects of all the new chemicals we are using on us and on other species. And we need the results of this research to be applied without regard to its effect on profitable lines of business. The same is true of climate change.
Falsifying results or hiding bad results in such matters should be illegal, but it is perfectly acceptable to do so, both legally and culturally, if nothing can be proven. Knowing what one can get away with is a tremendously valuable skill. Companies that themselves are not hiding very much rarely come out against competitors or companies in other sectors that tolerate a great deal.
Falsifying results or hiding bad results in such matters should be illegal, but it is perfectly acceptable to do so, both legally and culturally, if nothing can be proven. Knowing what one can get away with is a tremendously valuable skill. Companies that themselves are not hiding very much rarely come out against competitors or companies in other sectors that tolerate a great deal.
9
We already have enough research to begin doing something. "More research" is the common right wing reaction to a problem. It is code for we don't care what you think, we are going to keep doing it and lying about it so study it all you want if it makes out happy. We will deny whatever you say and wave the specter of lost jobs.
I still remember all those tobacco execs in front of Congress saying tobacco doesn't cause cancer. When a person has a mindset like that with billions of dollars behind them, it is an uphill battle.
And our government is now full of them.
I still remember all those tobacco execs in front of Congress saying tobacco doesn't cause cancer. When a person has a mindset like that with billions of dollars behind them, it is an uphill battle.
And our government is now full of them.
1
Following on Kristof's timely column, worth review: "What's in you?" In a pioneering study, a San Francisco Bay Area family was tested for a suite of chemical pollutants. The results stunned even scientists. Appreciations to reporter Douglas Fischer - http://www.insidebayarea.com/bodyburden/ci_2600879
http://www.insidebayarea.com/bodyburden/ci_2600911
http://www.insidebayarea.com/bodyburden/ci_2603026
http://www.insidebayarea.com/bodyburden/ci_3299744
http://www.insidebayarea.com/bodyburden/ci_3546478
http://www.insidebayarea.com/bodyburden/ci_2600911
http://www.insidebayarea.com/bodyburden/ci_2603026
http://www.insidebayarea.com/bodyburden/ci_3299744
http://www.insidebayarea.com/bodyburden/ci_3546478
8
the article makes an abrupt shift from reporting of a change in sperm to advocating for specific actions related to avoiding plastics. Is the connection well understood, or is this confirmation bias? My experience as a scientist is that my assumptions are frequently wrong, and that I rarely advance our understanding of the 'truth' until I empirically validate them.
6
The article mentions China and Canada, and we can assume the US, but is this a worldwide trend? Europe, for example, has tighter controls on some of these chemicals, although bottled water is a bizarre obsession there too. It would be interesting to know.
6
This begs the question as to whether declining fertility rates are a bad thing. It might be the sort of external restraint we need to continue the viability of the species. I know several people who should not breed, and several whose parents should not have. Perhaps we could send them all to that lake in Ontario for their next vacation.
3
"Perhaps you were expecting another column about political missteps in Washington, and instead you’ve been walloped with talk of bad swimmers."
It is the political missteps and Washington (and yes, other Capitals) that resulted in you talking about "bad swimmers."
Never underestimate the capacity of human beings--the only species to inhabit the earth--to aggressively and consistently damage the very environment that sustains it, to say nothing of of the weaponry that is invented and perfected to kill each other "efficiently" and en masse.
The only question is weather the weapons or environment will make us extinct first.
It is the political missteps and Washington (and yes, other Capitals) that resulted in you talking about "bad swimmers."
Never underestimate the capacity of human beings--the only species to inhabit the earth--to aggressively and consistently damage the very environment that sustains it, to say nothing of of the weaponry that is invented and perfected to kill each other "efficiently" and en masse.
The only question is weather the weapons or environment will make us extinct first.
4
Now maybe we'll see if all those God-fearing DT supporters will concern themselves with that "Be fruitful & multiply" thing.
7
Sad but there are too many people on this planet as it is
Still, I never thought it would be lobbyists for chemical firms who would be mostly responsible for reducing our numbers
Still, I never thought it would be lobbyists for chemical firms who would be mostly responsible for reducing our numbers
6
As a 30-something year old woman, my experience has been that couples are very hush-hush when it comes to fertility issues (and understandably so as people want their privacy). I can't remember one time that any of my female friends or family ever disclosed it was her man who was the one with the fertility problem.
In my experience, we, as a society, usually assume it is the woman's fault when a couple is having trouble getting pregnant. I think our first step is to actually start talking about fertility problems instead of whispering behind closed doors. However, until we can stop shaming men (and women) who have fertility issues, we probably won't get very far with addressing this global problem.
In my experience, we, as a society, usually assume it is the woman's fault when a couple is having trouble getting pregnant. I think our first step is to actually start talking about fertility problems instead of whispering behind closed doors. However, until we can stop shaming men (and women) who have fertility issues, we probably won't get very far with addressing this global problem.
10
The sperm count and quality problem can be attributed to all the chemicals and toxins that we have been increasingly either absorbing internally or been exposed to over the course of several generations now. This is the tragic paradox of modern science – our lives are getting longer but our capacity to reproduce is getting diminished.
The more modern a society, the more aged its average population is, as we are witnessing in Western Europe and Japan. The U.S. would probably be in a similar situation; except for the millions of “virile” immigrants it has taken in over the past several decades. So President Trump might want to rethink his immigration policy from “Make America Aged Again” to “Make America Immi-Great Again.”
The more modern a society, the more aged its average population is, as we are witnessing in Western Europe and Japan. The U.S. would probably be in a similar situation; except for the millions of “virile” immigrants it has taken in over the past several decades. So President Trump might want to rethink his immigration policy from “Make America Aged Again” to “Make America Immi-Great Again.”
7
So the end may come with a whimper, and not a bang. The confluence of bad to horrifying news continues unabated. Scott Pruitt will, I'm sure, get right on this on Monday.
9
I hope you're right. Better a whimper than a bang. No one ever counted or cared how many members of other species perished horribly in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
1
You had me at "sex". We know about Global Warming but we resist taking action. We know about unhealthy practices in the chain that provides our foodstuffs but we turn a blind eye. I fear this will just be considered another bothersome, inconvenient, "science" fact that the religious will deny and the foolish will resent. If we keep up this pace of ostrich syndrome we won't have to worry about our sperm because we will be too wet or too overweight to procreate in the first place.
6
Terrifying. I had no idea. Unbelievable that all around us are these chemicals, and they are almost impossible to avoid. Thanks, as always, Nick, for your work.
2
Perhaps this is nature's way if purging (to use a Favorite Trumpian technique) the world of the human race. We are superfluous to the world's natural cycles. We are the cancer. Humiliating to realize that your species by going extinct benefits our planet and it's inhabitants.
29
Thank you for telling it the way it is. (I thought I was the only one on the planet who thinks this way.)
1
The problems addressed in Kristoff's article not only affect humans, but the entire animal kingdom, worldwide. Extensive studies have been done, even in the most remote areas of the world. Endocrine disruptors, PCBs, etc. work their way up the food chains and at every step get concentrated. Those at the tops of the food chains Including polar bears, whales, eagles, etc. have the most. We, in our greed, are not only destroying ourselves, but every creature on this planet.
It sure looks like the Republican Party is determined to institute their own variety of natural selection. Gutting the EPA, ACA, social programs is just the beginning. Scientific research is not far behind....
22
Could this have anything to do with the gender identity issues we are seeing and hearing about so much now? Has anyone studied this?
12
Maybe we don't need to be concerned about lack of future jobs and overpopulation. It's great that robots have come along so strongly at this time. We won't need many humans in the future. And certainly, Trump's getting rid of the EPA will help move us further down the road to limiting the world's population.
9
We allow the industry to spend $100K per member of Congress just as we allow big money to flow into our electoral system. Maybe that's why nobody really cares if the Russians attempted (successfully?) to interfere in our presidential election because the Russians are no more malevolent than the industry. But more than just the money, how have we allowed a situation to occur where every baby born in this country has upwards of 100 industrial chemicals in their bloodstream. Every young couple should be outraged. Every parent with young children should be "screaming in the streets" (as the late Lou Guillette said).
12
...$100,000 per member of Congress on pro-poisoning lobbying. That's pretty cheap, don't you think? I wonder how much it would cost to just *bribe* members of Congress into doing their job????
27
I usually agree with you 100 percent. NOT today. The last thing we humans need to worry about is reproducing. Perhaps, this is an early warning/ natural selection process, due to OUR extreme reproduction. My husband and I had ONE child. That's enough. And THAT was over 30 years ago.
Overpopulation is a clear and present danger, to our species and all others
The biggest difference between humans and other animals is informed, voluntary contraception. Use your brain people, not just your " parts".
Overpopulation is a clear and present danger, to our species and all others
The biggest difference between humans and other animals is informed, voluntary contraception. Use your brain people, not just your " parts".
16
Over population is indeed the single biggest issue in front of us. But this is an absurd and cruel way to control it. The strange humans that will be reproduced in the future will be victimized and ostracized. It will be brutal.
We are doomed.
We are doomed.
8
You're not thinking this all the way through. Endocrine disruptors don't just limit male fertility, they disrupt any physical system that depend on hormones to function properly. Thus we see an increase in breast and prostate cancers, diabetes, birth defects ad developmental problems. Yes, population may be reduced, but humans-- and not JUST humans-- are also becoming sicker and weaker. Not the way to solve the problem of overpopulation.
My mother drove me crazy with her oft-repeated mantra"Things have a way of working out." To which I would add"...and will bite you in the ass if you don't watch out." So we'll have more deregulation, more climate change and more unintended consequences. Good Times!
10
as disturbing as this is for the species, in the long term it might be a blessing for the planet. carlin did a whole shtick once about how the planet needed plastic. well just maybe god in her infinite wisdom and her major minion mother earth can take care of it themselves.
10
Another possible issue is carrying cell phones in front pockets of pants, near the groin. Even though the EMFs from cell phones are low frequency, they are still there.
5
Another brilliant Kristof column. He has such an ability to represent and translate science accurately and credibly. I've followed this body of scientific literature for a decade and salute Kristof for writing this especially now; for the current administration and EPA head are determined to undermine last year's reform of US chemicals regulation, deny science, and gut the agencies that work to protect citizens' health. Even if you voted for this ( this outcome; this debacle of an administration and EPA administrator), does that mean you deserve your cancer? Your infertility? Your asthma? Or any of the other health problems that toxic exposures increase your risk of???
26
Endocrine Disruptors have been causing breast cancer and other diseases in women for years, with NO regulation from US Govt (even while so many of these additives and pesticides are banned in European countries!). This article points the finger at a male's most prized possession - his reproductive organs. Maybe now the lawmakers and regulators will give a hooey.
120
If it means the death of men, I'm all for it. It won't be painful; there won't be any witch hunts; race and income won't matter. Nope, the only thing we'll loose is men, and their violence, ignorance, and inability to adapt fast enough to prevent the destruction of the species. Heck, women know tech; they'll manage (and have the advantage of each other when it's all said and done). Let a new, more civilized being evolve from us. Think of "us" as the beta version.
9
This deeply disturbing news -- which appears to threaten the very survival of the human species, not just our health -- comes in the same week that we learned of Republican plans for massive cuts in the budgets of the Food & Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control, and the Environmental Protection Agency . . . as the GOP mounts a huge push to dismantle government regulations and regulatory agencies that might protect us from this new threat.
Brilliant. Just brilliant!!!
Apparently tax cuts for rich Republicans are a lot more important than the survival of the human species.
Brilliant. Just brilliant!!!
Apparently tax cuts for rich Republicans are a lot more important than the survival of the human species.
53
The toxins in the environment and in us may be contributing to mental instability which could explain Republican intransigence in the face of reality.
13
Wait, what regulations during a Republican trifecta? That would mean a loss of freedom for mishaped sperm, and the Repugs wouldn't dream of denying anyone that freedom.
But seriously, no wonder there are so many Autistic children, and it's NOT the vaccines. It's all the chemicals that go into our body everyday.
Everything is chemical. What we eat is poisoned, plastics, microwave, all the chemicals when we wash and dry our clothes, the radio signals for our cell phones, the dirty water, the dirty air and so on. I dare anyone to live a single day cleanly. Not possible.
Still, not such a great loss for this planet. We are such obnoxious parasites.
But seriously, no wonder there are so many Autistic children, and it's NOT the vaccines. It's all the chemicals that go into our body everyday.
Everything is chemical. What we eat is poisoned, plastics, microwave, all the chemicals when we wash and dry our clothes, the radio signals for our cell phones, the dirty water, the dirty air and so on. I dare anyone to live a single day cleanly. Not possible.
Still, not such a great loss for this planet. We are such obnoxious parasites.
27
A word of warning to the readers who think flawed sperm are a good for population control: There is no control over the flaws. If flawed sperm succeed in halting population growth, they will not stop reducing reproduction, and growth will turn into uncontrollable decline, threatening the survival of civilization if not the whole human species. That's because the chemical causes are dispersed in the environment and cannot be eliminated when we no longer want our population to decline (if we do; I don't discuss that here).
This warning is in addition to the intelligent previous comment that causing malformed males is not a kind way to control population.
This warning is in addition to the intelligent previous comment that causing malformed males is not a kind way to control population.
13
Seven billion people on this planet, and you are SERIOUSLY worried about "uncontrollable decline"?
That is almost TOO funny. We'd be better off by every metric if we had HALF that population -- we are destroying the planet with uncontrolled overpopulation!
My own gut instinct is that while chemicals and pollution are likely affecting sperm quality....it is also Mother Nature fighting back against our rampant, out of controlled overpopulation and using her own methods to "make it stop".
Also: there are no "malformed males". A deformed sperm cannot penetrate an egg, ergo it is simply biological waste.
That is almost TOO funny. We'd be better off by every metric if we had HALF that population -- we are destroying the planet with uncontrolled overpopulation!
My own gut instinct is that while chemicals and pollution are likely affecting sperm quality....it is also Mother Nature fighting back against our rampant, out of controlled overpopulation and using her own methods to "make it stop".
Also: there are no "malformed males". A deformed sperm cannot penetrate an egg, ergo it is simply biological waste.
1
"What’s needed above all is more aggressive regulation of endocrine disrupting chemicals. America has been much slower than Europe to regulate toxic chemicals, and most chemicals sold in the U.S. have never been tested for safety."
How are the sperm in Europe doing in this in light of of their regulation of endocrine disrupting chemicals?
The following is found in the Chinese study cited in the article: ".... However, the reasons for the decline in semen parameters are unclear from the present study... smoking and alcohol consumption have a negative effect on semen parameters, but in the present study there was no significant difference in the semen parameters between men who smoked or drank alcohol ....increased environmental pollution... Therefore, we speculated that pollution may be one of the causes of the decline in semen quality. In addition, nowadays, young men experience greater psychologic stress from study, work, and emotional problems, which also adversely affect semen quality (35). Lifestyle changes are another key factor that should not be ignored, and an increasing number of reports have confirmed that the widespread use of mobile phones and wireless technologies ...In addition, irregular living habits of young men, including staying up late, playing computer games, and staying overnight in bars, also can cause a decline in sperm quality."
In China is appears that just about all aspects of modern-day life are bad for sperm.
How are the sperm in Europe doing in this in light of of their regulation of endocrine disrupting chemicals?
The following is found in the Chinese study cited in the article: ".... However, the reasons for the decline in semen parameters are unclear from the present study... smoking and alcohol consumption have a negative effect on semen parameters, but in the present study there was no significant difference in the semen parameters between men who smoked or drank alcohol ....increased environmental pollution... Therefore, we speculated that pollution may be one of the causes of the decline in semen quality. In addition, nowadays, young men experience greater psychologic stress from study, work, and emotional problems, which also adversely affect semen quality (35). Lifestyle changes are another key factor that should not be ignored, and an increasing number of reports have confirmed that the widespread use of mobile phones and wireless technologies ...In addition, irregular living habits of young men, including staying up late, playing computer games, and staying overnight in bars, also can cause a decline in sperm quality."
In China is appears that just about all aspects of modern-day life are bad for sperm.
14
Perhaps this is nature's way of disrupting the population growth, rather than counting on Malthus' out growing the food supply? Some of the efforts to increase crop yields, and overcome climate change problems--excess flooding or lack of irrigation, and the same for temperatures--is where the pesticide problems come from.
As with anything, as we find ways of improving things through science and technology, we are often setting ourselves up for problems downstream.At the turn of the 20th Century (1900), there were 200,000 horse in new York City--pulling wagons, hose charts, freight carts, etc. The smell and carbon monoxide was devastating to the environment.
Well, in time, that new invention--the horseless carriage solved that problem, didn't it. It just pushed it downstream.
So, the problems with the malformed sperm might just be another way of telling us that: Enough is enough people!
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
As with anything, as we find ways of improving things through science and technology, we are often setting ourselves up for problems downstream.At the turn of the 20th Century (1900), there were 200,000 horse in new York City--pulling wagons, hose charts, freight carts, etc. The smell and carbon monoxide was devastating to the environment.
Well, in time, that new invention--the horseless carriage solved that problem, didn't it. It just pushed it downstream.
So, the problems with the malformed sperm might just be another way of telling us that: Enough is enough people!
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
4
"Perhaps this is nature's way of disrupting the population growth, rather than counting on Malthus' out growing the food supply?..."
But unlike the Malthus scenario, which results simply in a decrease in numbers, the present situation results in degrading the entire species with genetic defects. The defects will survive at least for many generations, resulting in children with lower intelligence, physical malformations, and other problems. In light of this, the moral dimensions of our overlooking chemical pollution are horrific.
One might hope that our ultra-macho President might look at the damage being done to human males (and males of other species) and say, OMG, this is wrong! But I am not optimistic. Surely other values are more important to him, like pleasing his anti-environmenalist political base, cutting "anti-business" regulations, etc.
But unlike the Malthus scenario, which results simply in a decrease in numbers, the present situation results in degrading the entire species with genetic defects. The defects will survive at least for many generations, resulting in children with lower intelligence, physical malformations, and other problems. In light of this, the moral dimensions of our overlooking chemical pollution are horrific.
One might hope that our ultra-macho President might look at the damage being done to human males (and males of other species) and say, OMG, this is wrong! But I am not optimistic. Surely other values are more important to him, like pleasing his anti-environmenalist political base, cutting "anti-business" regulations, etc.
6
Thank you Mr. Kristof writing about this!
One of the biggest contradictions of GOP lawmakers is their belief that
A) We should preserve that which is traditional
and
B) We should scrap regulations becauase we believe in business oober alles (The Germans used to say Deutschland oober alles which means Germany over all)
However, the dimwitted, assinine GOP members of Congress are promoting the degradation of human virility, or the extinction of the male body as it existed for many millenia, by letting companies suffuse the environment with a vast array of toxins.
And of course the Americans who read the dumbed down, moronic American press, and view the even more primitive American television, are wholly in the dark.
One of the biggest contradictions of GOP lawmakers is their belief that
A) We should preserve that which is traditional
and
B) We should scrap regulations becauase we believe in business oober alles (The Germans used to say Deutschland oober alles which means Germany over all)
However, the dimwitted, assinine GOP members of Congress are promoting the degradation of human virility, or the extinction of the male body as it existed for many millenia, by letting companies suffuse the environment with a vast array of toxins.
And of course the Americans who read the dumbed down, moronic American press, and view the even more primitive American television, are wholly in the dark.
17
We can say "the odds are stacked against us:" we suffer no meaningful chemical management, out-of-control climate change, over-population, failing sperm and if these problems are not daunting, we are facing the disintegration of the Republican Party led by Trump and embraced by his minions in Congress.
Sperm malfunction is currently the latest breakdown we must confront.
What a sorry state of affairs.
Sperm malfunction is currently the latest breakdown we must confront.
What a sorry state of affairs.
10
I wish the Republican party would disintegrate. It isn't. Instead it is setting new standards for depth of corruption and contempt for what our Constitution calls "the general welfare", and I am only peripherally referring to Trump.
69
As a man past his reasonable reproductive years this is not a particular personal fright, but I have four sons who while they may agree with this personal assessment will hit the roof when they realize this may be them.
Of course the bright side is population may finally be brought under control without resorting to the use and expense of fully developed human killing weapons.
The road of progress and its' many odd turns.
Of course the bright side is population may finally be brought under control without resorting to the use and expense of fully developed human killing weapons.
The road of progress and its' many odd turns.
5
Highly recommend anyone wanting detailed info. on this topic check out this website: http://endocrinedisruption.org/ The founder, Dr. Theo Colburn, was a tireless advocate asking oil/gas companies to reveal their chemical "cocktails" used in hydrofracturing. They claimed it would lessen their profitability and even refused to let local communities, often trying to treat their workers rushed to emergency rooms doused in fracking liquids, know what they were - and still are- pumping into groundwater. In the future, we will welcome immigrants from the less developed and less contaminated parts of the world because we will need fertile men, unlike our home grown and increasing infertile males.
16
The link is most helpful! Many of us are aware of toxins in our daily lives, but do not know where to find more information that is reliable. This site can be overwhelming to a non-chemist, but the short video on how to use the site is a good place to start.
1
The hormones fed to our food supply may have a little something to do with it.
Hormones have changed the start of menses to younger and younger girls with each passing generation, where it's not uncommon to be 10 years old now. This is a most certain worry or concern in the human evolution process.
All of the chemicals in our environment have been messing with human physiology for decades now. Something that Rachel Carson knew all too well.
Can't say she, (and others) did not try to warn us. But as always greed prevails.
Hormones have changed the start of menses to younger and younger girls with each passing generation, where it's not uncommon to be 10 years old now. This is a most certain worry or concern in the human evolution process.
All of the chemicals in our environment have been messing with human physiology for decades now. Something that Rachel Carson knew all too well.
Can't say she, (and others) did not try to warn us. But as always greed prevails.
91
Lobbyists -- the enemy of the American people.
1
That is an interesting meme, but it's not factually true. The age of menses has dropped over about 125 years or so (before that, there is no reliable scientific data) but it was almost entirely due to better nutrition, medicine & health care, vaccines for common childhood diseases and clean water.
And it didn't drop all that much, and has settled for decades at around 11.5 years (for white girls). It was ALWAYS earlier for black and hispanic girls. And ten is not unusual at all: my mother, born in 1926 went through puberty at age 10 in 1936. I went through puberty at 10 years, 9 months, and I was born in 1955. There is nothing remotely unusual about either of us (we're white, Jewish, Eastern European ancestry).
The average today is ages 11-12 for white girls, ages 10-11 for black/hispanic girls. And that is not abnormal nor strange in any way. It would be MORE correct to say that "100 years ago, many girls had DELAYED menses due to poor nutrition and health care".
And it didn't drop all that much, and has settled for decades at around 11.5 years (for white girls). It was ALWAYS earlier for black and hispanic girls. And ten is not unusual at all: my mother, born in 1926 went through puberty at age 10 in 1936. I went through puberty at 10 years, 9 months, and I was born in 1955. There is nothing remotely unusual about either of us (we're white, Jewish, Eastern European ancestry).
The average today is ages 11-12 for white girls, ages 10-11 for black/hispanic girls. And that is not abnormal nor strange in any way. It would be MORE correct to say that "100 years ago, many girls had DELAYED menses due to poor nutrition and health care".
Go to www.silentspring.org for more information about how toxins in our environment are affecting us all.
1
With a world population reaching 8 billion soon, I tend to think this man-made crisis is a welcome breather. And when the situation is rectified—and it will be, because no matter how damaged the environment becomes, it manages to rebound eventually—humans will usher in another population explosion, along with creative solutions for accommodating said explosion.
Aren't humans wonderful? [sarcasm mine]
Aren't humans wonderful? [sarcasm mine]
11
In full agreement. Perhaps it, along with war, is nature's way of population control.
1
And so we rush to protect the rights and sensibilities of those with gender differences (and by all means, they do deserve equal respect and the equal protection of law), BUT - we utterly fail to ask the simple question 'why'. How did these people come to be as they are? From an evolutionary point of view, there's no good reason for it; yet here we are. Here we are, and it may well be too late.
13
I know that chemical pollution is world-wide, which is perhaps why Nicholas studiously avoided direct political comment in this essay. But I cannot be so charitable. If we had problems in our own backyard before inauguration day - and we did - they are going to get far, far, worse.
Our so-called president, AKA Agent Orange, comes by the latter name honestly. He deregulates to allow industry to use our environment as a chemicals dump, and compounds his crime by grossly underfunding scientific research and archives, erecting a roadblock that will prevent us from knowing what we do to ourselves and the ecosystem we depend on. This is a logical extension of the way the gun lobby got Congress to suppress investigation and free speech in the matter of firearms as a public health problem.
Nicholas refers to a study of aquatic life in Ontario. The way things are going, the US will have to rely entirely on Canadians to tell us (if we will even listen) how bad our housekeeping becomes in the Great Lakes region.
This is the very reverse of Making America Great Again. When we deliberately set out to foul our own nest, we can hardly expect respect from others. As long as trump is in charge, I would urge other nations to resist his push for them to spend more on their military. Instead, I would like them to use their resources for another form of defense - that of our global environment, for which we are about to stop paying our fair share.
Our so-called president, AKA Agent Orange, comes by the latter name honestly. He deregulates to allow industry to use our environment as a chemicals dump, and compounds his crime by grossly underfunding scientific research and archives, erecting a roadblock that will prevent us from knowing what we do to ourselves and the ecosystem we depend on. This is a logical extension of the way the gun lobby got Congress to suppress investigation and free speech in the matter of firearms as a public health problem.
Nicholas refers to a study of aquatic life in Ontario. The way things are going, the US will have to rely entirely on Canadians to tell us (if we will even listen) how bad our housekeeping becomes in the Great Lakes region.
This is the very reverse of Making America Great Again. When we deliberately set out to foul our own nest, we can hardly expect respect from others. As long as trump is in charge, I would urge other nations to resist his push for them to spend more on their military. Instead, I would like them to use their resources for another form of defense - that of our global environment, for which we are about to stop paying our fair share.
71
Advice to Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman), in The Graduate:
"Just one word."
"Plastics."
"There's a great future in plastics."
A great future for whom? The CEO's of the chemical industry? The anti-regulation Republican Party? Yes. But certainly not great for humans.
The disturbing news of what is happening to sperm, driven by greed, is just another aspect of the disturbing Trump Kleptocracy. But don't fear. The earth is likely to become uninhabitable due to the pollution caused by the greedy long before the human race becomes unable to reproduce due to the unregulated poisonings by the greedy.
"Just one word."
"Plastics."
"There's a great future in plastics."
A great future for whom? The CEO's of the chemical industry? The anti-regulation Republican Party? Yes. But certainly not great for humans.
The disturbing news of what is happening to sperm, driven by greed, is just another aspect of the disturbing Trump Kleptocracy. But don't fear. The earth is likely to become uninhabitable due to the pollution caused by the greedy long before the human race becomes unable to reproduce due to the unregulated poisonings by the greedy.
20
Dismantling the scientifically sound environmental protection is High Treason. Particularly so if the new President and his very business-minded family members have vested interests in the production of some harmful products.
36
President Trump and his EPA Director Scott Pruitt are busy destroying all environmental protections. In particular, per Executive Order, water clean from pesticide, herbicide, & mining runoff. These hard fought protections are burdensome to business and profits! So healthy semen will just have to go the way of overall healthcare. But don't worry, Trump will pronounce all American semen terrific, the best there ever was in the history of mankind. And all will be well in Trumpland.
114
My 14 year old niece, when she could actually be induced to watch an old B&W movie, remarked that the men's voices sounded "different, deeper". Granted, perhaps back in the 1940's voices were selected for just that quality, but is it just possible that a testicular tectonic shift has been at work over the decades? Not a lot of baritones around now, especially among millennials, if you listen.
85
Stan: i wonder, too, about the difference in voices. I also wonder whether trans children are just reported more now, more willing to express what they feel is their true sexuality, or whether there really are more babies being born with indeterminate sexuality or with characteristics of both sexes or strong feeling of being in a body of the wrong gender. When I was young people were much less frank about sex, of course, and I was aware of some gays, but never people who really felt they were born the wrong gender. Was this my ignorance and our society's blindness or have things really changed?
3
There were also many more smokers, and everyone was exposed to second-hand smoke at home, work, the movies, trains, restaurants, et al. Smokers - male and female - usually have deeper voices.
3
Gives new meaning to "metrosexual".
I understand we have a large population at present however it is not a good thing to suddenly be unable to reproduce our species.
Often we humans devise ways to deal with out problems prior to complete devastation but often not a good backup plan. I'm thinking here of science breakthroughs in cloning. We have cloned many animals. It is said we have cloned humans somewhere. There are dire problems with cloning. The cloned are not as healthy, suffer health problems ,don't live as long etc as Dolly the sheep. Better to clean up our pollution of detrimental chemicals that are poisoning our species.
Often we humans devise ways to deal with out problems prior to complete devastation but often not a good backup plan. I'm thinking here of science breakthroughs in cloning. We have cloned many animals. It is said we have cloned humans somewhere. There are dire problems with cloning. The cloned are not as healthy, suffer health problems ,don't live as long etc as Dolly the sheep. Better to clean up our pollution of detrimental chemicals that are poisoning our species.
4
Cheryl is mistaken about the life expectancy of clones. Cloned sheep other than Dolly have lived normal lives with normal aging. This is according to an article in the Times recently.
2
Mr. Zaslavsky: Despite the recent increased success in animal cloning, Cheryl's conclusion is correct: "Better to clean up our pollution of detrimental chemicals that are poisoning our species."
4
Many of the comments focus on the issue of overpopulation and how decreasing human fertility could be a good thing. This is really missing the point of how males are being damaged in-utero due to these chemicals. The testicular dygenesis syndromes discussed are only one issue that science has been able to link so far. It is aptly put that "endocrine disrupting chemicals...interfere with the biological process of becoming male." Malformed males, either overtly phenotypically or hormonally thus emotionally, should be a concern for everyone. This equals more human suffering, not to mention increased medical and societal costs. In addition the view that this may be a good thing to reduce population growth ignores the fact that the populations most at risk for this damage to male biology are in Western advanced countries, where fertility rates are already dropping due to couples having fewer children than in poor developing countries, so this is not the solution. The insanity of not more tightly regulating these chemicals after so many decades of evidence shows the corruption of our government and cultural choices where "jobs and economic prosperity" trumps protecting human health. As long as we worship money and convenience above all, this will continue.
124
Great title. Gets everyone's ( men's) attention.
Until we all participate in wide ranging epidemiological studies using our cell phones we won't get through to knowing the effects of the array of chemicals affecting our health and behavior.
Our habits, locations and exposures can all be monitored and cross correlated be computer programs.
Until we all participate in wide ranging epidemiological studies using our cell phones we won't get through to knowing the effects of the array of chemicals affecting our health and behavior.
Our habits, locations and exposures can all be monitored and cross correlated be computer programs.
8
RjW stated: "...the populations most at risk... are in Western advanced countries, where fertility rates are already dropping..."
Even if that is true, it won't be for long. Our chemical pollution is exported to poorer countries almost without limit. Their agriculture is dependent on our agricultural chemicals; international mining companies pollute their rivers; their own industries, geared to production for world markets, lack environmental controls. People of poorer countries likely are the worst victims of our pollution-for-profit economic system, which poorer nations almost have to join in order to survive at all.
Even if that is true, it won't be for long. Our chemical pollution is exported to poorer countries almost without limit. Their agriculture is dependent on our agricultural chemicals; international mining companies pollute their rivers; their own industries, geared to production for world markets, lack environmental controls. People of poorer countries likely are the worst victims of our pollution-for-profit economic system, which poorer nations almost have to join in order to survive at all.
2
Insurance companies have this data and have created maps of where there are toxic wastes and cancer clusters. They know, lots.
3
T RjW: My apology for my earlier comment. It was intended in response to commenter Michael Hall, not to you. An inadvertent technical error on my part.
We've long had a reproductive crisis. It's resulted in 7 billion people on the planet, and climbing. Meanwhile all other life is in decline.
So injured sperm sounds like payback; what goes around comes around.
We've insisted on polluting and now our officials are gutting the EPA. So dysfunctional sperm seems only fair. Horrible, but fair.
So injured sperm sounds like payback; what goes around comes around.
We've insisted on polluting and now our officials are gutting the EPA. So dysfunctional sperm seems only fair. Horrible, but fair.
195
Yes, and it hits those who did the lion's share of the pollution--men.
1
Yes, except not fair to the rest of the living things on this planet. There is no way this only effects humans.
5
I look forward to your pieces each week. However, given an administration in Washington that denies the validity of science and seems intent on destroying decades of environmental protections in the interest of "economic growth", I am more than a bit pessimistic on any hearing on this issue. However, given Trump's sexual proclivities, this may be one science based project that gets a green light! More baby Trumps!
16
Phil ( the first to comment) says this is a boon to population control But Wait. If the sperm as an organism is being injured by the chemicals, it follows the DNA the spam carries can also be affected. In addition to a rash of two headed sperm, we are going to have a huge population of people born with defects. and no insurance to help.
58
The chemical industry should definitely better regulated but if these endocrine disrupters have an impact on population growth, then that is not entirely a bad thing. Over population (the human kind) is one of the basic problems facing the world and is at the root of a lot of other ones, like climate change, over development causing habitat destruction etc. With that in mind is hard to over concerned about this issue.
6
For those complaining about this article not citing the actual research, for god's sakes, do your freaking homework! lol! As a teacher of Environmental Literacy/Science, you read an article like Mr. Kristof's, and then delve further into the research and the data. He's doing you a favor by bringing it to your attention. Anyway, yes, sperm counts have been dropping since the 40's. I remember as a young woman watching 60 Minutes and seeing what happened when a laboratory had skewed results with some human cell research- all due to a plastic-laden rinse on the test tubes. The sperm cells did crazy things overnight as they waited in their test tubes for the next day when the real tests were to start.They mutated. I remember being very concerned about this and no one would listen to the nerd girl who labored in various labs as an undergraduate. Funny, but not. I remember being at a party and telling the guys that they were probably going to be shooting blanks when they were ready to procreate due to endocrine disruptors. Yeah, they are in receipts, plastic utensils and styrofoam, laundry detergent, makeup, etc. What I will look at now, for my homework, is where exactly are populations rising. Where are the highest fertility rates among women. Like another writer mentioned, overpopulation is the driver of most of our problems. There are very few speakers on climate change out there that will deal with that proverbial elephant in the living room. Zipper issue. lol!
190
Perhaps that many sperm are simply not needed. By all accounts, birth control is one of the greatest advances in human history. And birth control works by thwarting sperm. What if nature already "knew" this and evolution was and is already moving toward lower fertility?
6
Frankly, all this simply is encouragement to those women (and some men) who argue that we’ve largely evolved beyond the individual contributions of men. We can now combine those contributions into milkshakes that can be screened for motility factors and release the results in a form of Russian roulette that most never dreamed of. Soon, we’ll be able to screen at that level for inheritable factors such as hand-size, so even the chamber that WASN’T empty will produce a welcome result.
I have a novel idea, à la Ross Douthat. Instead of banning carbon-based energy, let’s figure out a sustainable way to filter carbon from our atmosphere. Instead of charging $10-$11 for a pack of cigarettes in some of our states while only charging $3 in others, we FINALLY get around to curing lung cancer, heart disease and emphysema, which would benefit mankind even more broadly since these conditions have sources other than tobacco use. Instead of eschewing plastics, we might even develop a pill or other treatment that counteracts the noted effects on sperm and where a urethra exits.
Heck, we might even largely solve deadly gun violence by modifying ammo available to civilians to non-lethal varieties.
There once was a time when Americans sought solutions that allowed us to have our cake and eat it, too. And we found them. Where has that worldview gone? Probably has something do with the diminishing quality of sperm.
I have a novel idea, à la Ross Douthat. Instead of banning carbon-based energy, let’s figure out a sustainable way to filter carbon from our atmosphere. Instead of charging $10-$11 for a pack of cigarettes in some of our states while only charging $3 in others, we FINALLY get around to curing lung cancer, heart disease and emphysema, which would benefit mankind even more broadly since these conditions have sources other than tobacco use. Instead of eschewing plastics, we might even develop a pill or other treatment that counteracts the noted effects on sperm and where a urethra exits.
Heck, we might even largely solve deadly gun violence by modifying ammo available to civilians to non-lethal varieties.
There once was a time when Americans sought solutions that allowed us to have our cake and eat it, too. And we found them. Where has that worldview gone? Probably has something do with the diminishing quality of sperm.
3
Is that oscillating spermatozoa to our left as irritating an image to you folks as it is to me?
7
Look up carbon sequestration. People are working on it, and some technologies have been developed, more needs to be done. It's not a novel idea.
12
Which is the greater irritant, Richard, the image or the fact that gave rise to it?
Check the work of Dr. Andrew Hendry, McGill prof. with worldwide rep. He's a leader in studying short-term mutations that actually produce, get this, new species - that is, a new generation of fish or birds now unable to mate productively with their chemical-free cousins. Talk about sins of the fathers!
"Short-term" is really an irritating notion, isn't it?
Check the work of Dr. Andrew Hendry, McGill prof. with worldwide rep. He's a leader in studying short-term mutations that actually produce, get this, new species - that is, a new generation of fish or birds now unable to mate productively with their chemical-free cousins. Talk about sins of the fathers!
"Short-term" is really an irritating notion, isn't it?
2
When science discovers that endocrine disruptors create erectile dysfunction resistant to any and all RX stiffeners, or specifically target GOP sperm and their spawn, I predict an investigation, funding, a solution. If science can tie endocrine disruption and the resulting ED to climate change, rising seas, drought, income inequality, etc, GOP will deem these issues worthy of consideration. Fingers crossed. "Every Sperm is Sacred, Every Sperm is Great, If a Sperm is Wasted, God gets quite Irate." For now, we hope the IT and science guys manage to save the data Trump et al have deemed dangerous.
158
I read that fifty percent of the human conceptus are too flawed to be implanted. (When extremely impaired foetus are conceived,the religionists should butt out.)Some of chemicals leached into the environment mimic estrogen which inhibits androgen expression; hence intersex morphology. This messes up a lot of life on Earth. Therefore, when greed preempts science, we are progressing towards the destruction of all advanced life on this planet.
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Unless I see some peer-reviews research cited, this is just fear-mongering. Avoid printed receipts? Seriously? Population growth is pretty healthy across the globe; in fact, cutting it down should be a priority. If there is a slight decline in male fertility, so what? Fewer contraception failures, unwanted pregnancies and abortions. But in any case, I won't believe a word of it until I see this research independently replicated. Until then, it's on a par with "vaccines cause autism and GMOs are poisons" nonsense.
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It's easy to find the studies that support what this author is saying. Just google on endocrine disrupter or search on pubmed for journal articles. This has been known by scientists for quite sometime. Yes, I'm a scientist.
Okay, here you go, https://www.endocrine.org/search?&sk=Endocrine+Society+Mobile&cc... paragraph 5. Please understand that grocery receipts with phthalates are banned by the EU for a reason. They value their sperm more than a market economy that buys elections. Please re-read the article again, especially the part about how rapidly the Chinese sperm count was reduced, the decline was anything but slight!
2
Across the globe? Exactly. Articles like this one of NK seem based on the notion that America is the whole world. And Nick has travelled a lot. Imagine how many others view their little world.
Thank you for this article. I hope it will bring the issue to the awareness of more people.
My education was in architecture and my work in design and construction. I have been advising my clients against an array of very unhealthy building materials since the mid-1990s, including PVC products such as windows, vinyl coatings such as melamine for the reasons you mention, endocrine disruption. Phthalates are very problematic as well.
Formaldehyde based adhesives are another worth avoiding. It used to be the standard in materials such as OSB, plywood and MDF, all of which surround us in our homes. Now the industry is making good advances in using better adhesives. But we must keep the awareness up.
For people with a tendency to respiratory problems, it is very helpful to be aware of the volatile organic compound "VOC" aspect of paints and clear coatings inside the home. Now there are several major manufacturers providing zero VOC products. Read the labels!
Walking into a brand new home made of the healthiest materials available is an amazing and refreshing experience. It's often only people have experienced that first hand that they realize how much chemical pollution they are surrounded by most of the time.
My education was in architecture and my work in design and construction. I have been advising my clients against an array of very unhealthy building materials since the mid-1990s, including PVC products such as windows, vinyl coatings such as melamine for the reasons you mention, endocrine disruption. Phthalates are very problematic as well.
Formaldehyde based adhesives are another worth avoiding. It used to be the standard in materials such as OSB, plywood and MDF, all of which surround us in our homes. Now the industry is making good advances in using better adhesives. But we must keep the awareness up.
For people with a tendency to respiratory problems, it is very helpful to be aware of the volatile organic compound "VOC" aspect of paints and clear coatings inside the home. Now there are several major manufacturers providing zero VOC products. Read the labels!
Walking into a brand new home made of the healthiest materials available is an amazing and refreshing experience. It's often only people have experienced that first hand that they realize how much chemical pollution they are surrounded by most of the time.
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Right on, M Jencks. Bravo. The sick thing is that this extends to all products and environments, beyond built environment and materials. Chemical contamination is now ambiently pervasive, thanks to industry lobbying and government default. Think, just as egs, Glide dental floss. Colgate toothpaste, food packaging with perflourinated compounds lining them...the majority of personal care products, home cleaning supplies, etc. For those consumers interested in protecting health, vote for candidates who will protect your health, not industry mega-profits; and vote with your dollars. See www.ewg.org and Healthy Building Network. See www.nrdc.org, the Breast Cancer Prevention Project, www.healthandenvironment.org, and all their colleague health and environment protection orgs. UCSF PRHE, ceh.org,... these realities are why we at Forsythia Foundation are funders of and investors in green/safer chemistry. See Www.SaferMade.net...
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What about PVC piping carrying our water? Right now, it feels like only the wealthy can afford healthy building materials, and that has to change.
1
Good point, but what do people do who are living and working in older structures?
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Thanks for shining a light on this. Sadly, the impact of our toxic environment on the health of all life forms is just really getting started and it's only going to get worse. Bad stuff has to go somewhere, and we've reached or are approaching saturation points with many pollutants in many different ecosystems.
Of course, for me, anything that reduces human population is generally a good thing, and if we don't deal with climate change, this sperm issue will be besides the point.
Of course, for me, anything that reduces human population is generally a good thing, and if we don't deal with climate change, this sperm issue will be besides the point.
37
As our civilization continues to evolve , we need to face the truths.
The earth we live in has an expiration date, the world population continues to
grow, while one in nine people lack enough food.
The earth we live in has an expiration date, the world population continues to
grow, while one in nine people lack enough food.
18
My physician aunt who would have been almost 100 years old, would tell us back in the early 1990s that synthetic diapers wrapped tight around boys' loins, would eventually negatively impact sperm count and quality. She would insist we use loose cloth diapers for our boys.
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See the Times article on increased colon cancer now occurring among young people in their 20s. Possibly also chemicals found in disposable diapers?
1
@Petey toney - What a great tip about baby boys' diapers. Sounds totally reasonable. The New York Times health column should do a follow-up on that.
Doctors have advised men against wearing very tight underwear, since the heat and the pressure kill the sperm. Ditto bicycle seats.
Doctors have advised men against wearing very tight underwear, since the heat and the pressure kill the sperm. Ditto bicycle seats.
2
The rise in colon cancer in general is troubling, and the numbers of people in their 20s and 30s is especially troubling.
But the answer could be as simple as diet. Colon cancer is rare in societies where the diet is high in fruits and vegetables and low in fats and processed foods. Put another way - the prevention of colon cancer is fairly simple: fluid, fiber, and exercise. In a poor nation, people drink lots of water, they eat mostly fruits and vegetables, and they walk everywhere.
Colon cancer rises in prosperous nations. Colon cancer is much, much lower in nations with drive-through food stores.
But the answer could be as simple as diet. Colon cancer is rare in societies where the diet is high in fruits and vegetables and low in fats and processed foods. Put another way - the prevention of colon cancer is fairly simple: fluid, fiber, and exercise. In a poor nation, people drink lots of water, they eat mostly fruits and vegetables, and they walk everywhere.
Colon cancer rises in prosperous nations. Colon cancer is much, much lower in nations with drive-through food stores.
2
The materials causing these wretched effects need to be banned from food products and other products that can be absorbed by the body (soaps, shampoos, hair and skin products, cosmetics, fragrances and similar.)
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Absolutely. Wondering what's changed since this book: Exposing a Toxic U.S. Policy" was published by investigative reporter Mark Schapiro identifying toxic chemicals used in products handled every day — agents that can cause cancer, genetic damage and birth defects lacing everything from our gadgets to children's toys to beauty products. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2367659/
1
I am disappointed that this article is bereft of scientific references. That is because there are controversies here which have been debated since the 1980's and remain undecided. Here is one contribution, from there medical institution where I work: http://magazine.jhsph.edu/2014/food/sections/fork/a-consuming-controversy/
13
There is a tremendous amount of money invested in the status quo. Unfortunately this has a way of influencing the nature and extent of the research as well as the nature of the discussion.
Vinyl chloride is one of the most ubiquitous chemicals in our built environment and one of the most problematic. It is also an extremely profitable industry. Bill Moyers did a good documentary on that (link below). I'm also providing a link to a CDC page on it.
https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/phs/phs.asp?id=280&tid=51
http://www.pbs.org/tradesecrets/program/overview.html
Vinyl chloride is one of the most ubiquitous chemicals in our built environment and one of the most problematic. It is also an extremely profitable industry. Bill Moyers did a good documentary on that (link below). I'm also providing a link to a CDC page on it.
https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/phs/phs.asp?id=280&tid=51
http://www.pbs.org/tradesecrets/program/overview.html
6
You might want to consult with your JHSPH enviro health expert colleague Dr Shelley Hearne for more complete understanding of the large body of scientific evidence. A newspaper collumn obviously not the place for reference footnotes. Shanna Swan can supply huge reference list.
1
Thank you J Jencks ~ As I was reading the gov. pages, I couldn't help but wonder if these pages will be purged by the current administration.
Perhaps this article will be able to get a "rise" (pun intended) out of the men in Washington who seem so determined to control the female reproductive system. Over the past 30-40 years, the amount of genetic disorders and anomalies, not to mention physical and mental/learning disorders, and behavioral issues in children are becoming way more prevalent at rates that are almost impossible to ignore. Typically, science focuses on the mother when trying to ensure the health and viability of fetuses.
However, if you believe in evolution, our planet is facing an even greater crisis of overpopulation in the face of shrinking resources. Perhaps "silent sperm" is a form of natural selection/population control. Considering that we can't seem to properly feed, house, educate, or employ an overwhelming amount of our current population, we are already facing a "crisis in human reproduction."
However, if you believe in evolution, our planet is facing an even greater crisis of overpopulation in the face of shrinking resources. Perhaps "silent sperm" is a form of natural selection/population control. Considering that we can't seem to properly feed, house, educate, or employ an overwhelming amount of our current population, we are already facing a "crisis in human reproduction."
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Typically the mother is always blamed too for an unhealthy fetus or baby.
It's never the quality or the potentially tainted sperm from the man.
Could not a heavy drug or alcohol using father's sperm possibly have some affect on his future child's brain or development?
It's never the quality or the potentially tainted sperm from the man.
Could not a heavy drug or alcohol using father's sperm possibly have some affect on his future child's brain or development?
10
Please, do not hold your breath. The new GOP man is concerned only with the P&L statement of his donors,
6
Unfortunately, most of the power elite in Washington are old white men who came of age before the widespread introduction of endocrine disruptors. They got theirs already, so-to-speak. They are generally wealthy enough that they can take individual steps to reduce the exposure of their offspring to such chemicals, improving their kids' chance to reproduce relative to people who haven't the luxury of choosing more expensive alternatives. This provides yet anther axis along which to measure inequality.
5
Very disturbing column.
Good luck with getting our current administration and Congress to do anything deemed "anti-business".
If the new head of the EPA can get away with downplaying the role of CO2 in climate change, how in the world can you expect our political leadership to regulate chemicals linked to damaging sperm.
It's all part of God's plan.
Good luck with getting our current administration and Congress to do anything deemed "anti-business".
If the new head of the EPA can get away with downplaying the role of CO2 in climate change, how in the world can you expect our political leadership to regulate chemicals linked to damaging sperm.
It's all part of God's plan.
354
Yes, it is curious how God seems to favor the 0.1%. Not at all like what I remember reading in the Bible. Oh well, that is all so yesterday. Fake news.
4
Maybe it is- to finally rid the planet of humans
1
A timely article and scary scenario as the Environmental Protection Agency is being weakened by budget cuts and a director, Scott Pruitt who thinks there should be less environmental protections.
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Correction-- should be 'fewer environmental protections' or 'less environmental protection'.
29
In light of this study I would think that Scott Pruitt must be suffering severe confusion due to his impaired sper -reproductive condition. He should seek medical help after resigning from his position.
2
If I remember right, the budget for the EPA program researching the effect of endrocine disruptors has been zeroed out in Trump's proposed budget. After all, what we don't know won't hurt us, right? Right?