Climate change, which affects us more and more in every aspect of our lives, will affect the future of our planet in a completely different way, according to a new study. According to research published in the journal Nature, industrialized regions now have fertility rates below the levels needed to sustain their populations.
As a result of their study, the scientists behind the study revealed that reproductive health problems are partly linked to people’s direct or indirect exposure to chemicals from fossil fuels. Data previously shared by the Lancet showed that the fertility rate dropped to 2.4 in 2017. In 1950, this ratio was 4.7.
Fossil fuels negatively affect reproductive health
The research also points out that declining birth rates began at the same time as industrialization and large-scale burning of fossil fuels. Scientists hypothesize that fossil fuels have a major negative impact on human reproduction. The research, which focused only on the Danish population, had the following results, which were announced to be applicable to the whole world:
- One in 10 Danish children was born with medical assistance in the last 50 years.
- More than 20% of men have never had children.
- Unintended pregnancy losses have increased by 1% to 2% since 1990.
- Globally, approximately 74 thousand cases of testicular cancer occur annually.
- Infertility rates are increasing due to biological reasons.
Chemicals produced using fossil fuels are found everywhere, from make-up materials to food containers. Toxic chemicals originating from fossil fuels pass through people’s blood, urine, semen, placenta, breast milk and adipose tissues through these products. Therefore, it interferes with the hormonal systems of the body and adversely affects reproductive health.
Researchers called for more protection for pregnant women to avoid this situation. Claiming that chemicals in air pollution also have a range of adverse effects on unborn babies and young children, the researchers also predict that worsening fertility will cause mental harm to individuals in communities.
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