A new study by the National Institutes of Health links sunscreen to male infertility. Benzophenones are used in sunscreens and personal care products and are absorbed by the skin. These chemicals act as endocrine disrupting compounds, as they can interfere with the body's hormones. The recent study showed a 30% reduction in male fertility, leading to a longer time to pregnancy.
Many toxins in the environment have a direct effect on male fertility, including sperm mobility, motility and even decreased sperm count. Some of these include pthalates, and BPA. They are becoming increasingly more difficult to avoid.
Toxic Personal Care Products
Benzophenones, pthalates, BPA and other chemicals are not always required to be listed on the ingredient lists of personal care products. There is no law that requires manufacturers to disclose the chemicals included. These, and other toxins, have unintended consequences on a person's health. A great resource for toxic exposure in personal care products is Skin Deep. This is a database put forth by the Environmental Working Group to bring consumer awareness about what we are putting on our skin. Many of these products contain known carcinogens and environmental toxicants associated with both female and male infertility, migraines, and obesity.