Source: Chioma Obinna

Environmental Exposure, Lifestyle Habits Linked to Declining Fertility Rates—Experts

At the Merck Foundation Media Training on Reproductive Medicine in Dubai, global health experts have issued a stark warning about the growing threat of environmental toxins and lifestyle-related factors fueling infertility worldwide. The call was made during an academic session attended by reproductive medicine specialists, journalists, and policymakers from multiple countries.

Toxic World, Shrinking Fertility

Professor Oladapo Ashiru, President of the African Reproductive Care Society, stressed the far-reaching impact of pesticides, heavy metals, and industrial chemicals on human reproduction.

“From air pollution to cosmetics, exposure pathways are vast. These toxins don’t just harm one generation—they may affect up to three,” he said.

Studies from Nigeria and South Africa were cited, revealing declining sperm counts and increasing infertility rates directly linked to environmental contaminants.

Ashiru also projected that:

“By 2050, 93% of countries will be below the population replacement level. The time to act is now.”

Silent Threats in Everyday Life

The session shed light on common items with hidden risks:

• Cosmetics containing lead and mercury
• Plastics releasing endocrine-disrupting chemicals
• Barefoot driving, associated with heavy metal absorption like antimony

Ashiru recounted a case involving recurrent miscarriages tied to industrial toxin exposure, reinforcing the need for preventive measures.

“A woman uses over a ton of lipstick in her lifetime. Without proper regulation, that could mean chronic lead exposure,” he warned.

Call for Holistic Reproductive Health Interventions

The expert panel advocated:

• Detoxification protocols, like Maya therapy
• Hospital-led education for at-risk workers in oil, gas, and chemical sectors
• Stricter regulation of consumer goods and environmental pollutants
• Interdisciplinary collaboration between healthcare, environment, and regulatory bodies

“Our environment is a major determinant of reproductive health,” Ashiru said. “We must prioritise clean living and safe reproductive practices to protect future generations.”

Merck Foundation’s Role in Building Medical Capacity

Dr. Shadha, Scientific and Medical Manager at Merck Foundation, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to strengthening reproductive healthcare systems in underserved regions.

“We offer scholarships in over 44 medical specialties, including fertility and embryology. These programs are vital in bridging access gaps and improving outcomes,” she said.

The foundation also supports hands-on training through global partnerships, empowering local practitioners to tackle infertility more effectively.