Air pollution linked to DNA changes in sperm, research shows

The Guardian Health Monday 06 July 2026, 23:01 UTC By Hannah Devlin Science correspondent 1 min read

Key Points

Study of more than 2,000 men identifies epigenetic changes linked to exposure to common outdoor pollutantsAir pollution appears to alter how sperm genes function, one of the largest fertility studies of its kind has found. Men exposed to common air pollutants while sperm were developing showed subtle DNA changes that affected whether genes were switched on or off, raising fresh concerns air pollution may harm male fertility.

Study of more than 2,000 men identifies epigenetic changes linked to exposure to common outdoor pollutants

Air pollution appears to alter how sperm genes function, one of the largest fertility studies of its kind has found.

Men exposed to common air pollutants while sperm were developing showed subtle DNA changes that affected whether genes were switched on or off, raising fresh concerns air pollution may harm male fertility.

Originally published by The Guardian Health Read original →

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