Effects of firefighting on semen parameters: an exploratory study.

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Reproductive Toxicology
• Environmental Medicine

Background:

• Firefighters face significant occupational exposures to heat and chemicals.
• These exposures may potentially impact male reproductive health and fertility.
• Previous research on firefighter fertility is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the association between occupational exposures and semen quality in firefighters.
• To assess the fertility parameters of firefighters in an exploratory study.

Main Methods:

• An online survey collected data on demographics, reproductive history, and occupational exposures.
• Semen analysis was performed on samples from 20 firefighters.
• Data were analyzed considering various firefighter characteristics and exposure levels.

Main Results:

• Overall, firefighter semen parameters were below World Health Organisation reference values.
• Firefighters younger than 45 exhibited a higher incidence of abnormal semen parameters (42%) compared to older firefighters (9%).
• Increased fire exposure frequency correlated with reduced sperm count, volume, normal forms, and total sperm count.

Conclusions:

• Firefighter occupational exposures are associated with reduced semen quality.
• Younger firefighters and those with higher fire exposure frequency appear more susceptible.
• Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and explore protective measures.