Study Links Early Chemical Exposure to Increased Risk of Sperm Abnormalities in Men - Video

Invisible chemicals may be shaping male fertility long before birth. A new study published in Environmental Health suggests that early-life exposure to persistent environmental pollutants can leave lasting effects on sperm health decades later.

Researchers led by Melissa Perry at George Mason University found that men exposed to certain chemicals in the womb and during childhood were more likely to produce sperm with abnormal chromosome numbers in adulthood. This condition, known as aneuploidy, can increase the risk of infertility, miscarriage, and genetic disorders such as Klinefelter Syndrome.

The study followed participants from before birth into early adulthood. Researchers analyzed blood samples collected from mothers during pregnancy in the late 1980s, then measured chemical exposure again when the children were 7 and 14 years old. Years later, semen samples from the same individuals—now aged 22 to 24—were examined for chromosomal abnormalities.

The focus was on so-called “forever chemicals,” including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These substances persist in the environment and accumulate in the body over time. Findings showed that higher exposure levels were linked to sperm carrying extra X or Y chromosomes. PCB exposure was mainly associated with additional Y chromosomes, while PFAS exposure was linked to abnormalities involving both X and Y chromosomes.

The findings add to growing concerns about how environmental pollutants affect reproductive health. With an estimated 7% of men affected by infertility worldwide, the study highlights the need for preventive strategies that begin early in life—even before birth.

While the research does not prove direct causation, it provides strong evidence that chemical exposure during critical developmental windows can have long-term consequences for genetic integrity and fertility.

REFERENCE: Perry, M.J., Meddis, A., Young, H.A. et al. In utero and childhood exposure to organochlorines and perfluorinated chemicals in relation to sperm aneuploidy in adulthood. Environ Health (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12940-026-01303-w