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Wildfire Smoke Linked to Declining Sperm Quality in Men

10/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

UW Medicine finds wildfire smoke exposure may harm sperm quality in men seeking fertility treatment.
Analyses of 84 semen samples from 2018–2022 show declines in sperm concentration and motility during smoke events.
The study, published in Fertility and Sterility, urges further research as wildfire frequency rises in the United States and Canada.

History

Historical Context

Since the 1980s, the Western U.S. has experienced a rise in wildfire frequency and intensity, largely due to climate change. A study in 2018 by the University of Washington found a 20% decline in sperm concentration linked to wildfire smoke exposure, highlighting the urgent need for public health strategies to address the reproductive health impacts of air pollution amid increasing wildfire events.

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Story summary

UW Medicine finds wildfire smoke exposure may harm sperm quality in men seeking fertility treatment.
Analyses of 84 semen samples from 2018–2022 show declines in sperm concentration and motility during smoke events.
The study, published in Fertility and Sterility, urges further research as wildfire frequency rises in the United States and Canada.

1 / 2