As wildfires become more frequent, particularly in the Western United States, researchers are increasingly concerned about the potential impact of wildfire smoke on human fertility. A study led by Jasper Kehoe at Colorado State University is investigating how smoke exposure affects semen quality among wildland firefighters. Kehoe, a former firefighter himself, recruited 144 colleagues to provide semen samples before, during, and after fire seasons to assess any changes.

Emerging Concerns

Kehoe’s study is part of a broader effort to understand the health implications of wildfire smoke. Recent research from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) found that severe smoke events in Portland in 2020 led to decreased sperm quantity and motility among men undergoing fertility treatments. Similarly, a study in Seattle observed declines in sperm quality following smoke exposure in 2018, 2020, and 2022.

Tristan Nicholson, a urology professor at the University of Washington, emphasized the need for more research on male infertility, which has historically been underexamined. She noted that men are often the “forgotten partner” in fertility discussions, and her work aims to highlight their role.

Impact on Embryos

OHSU researchers also studied the effects of smoke on embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF). They found that embryos exposed to hazardous air during development were less likely to be viable for transfer, with a significant reduction in the number of mature embryos. Despite these findings, the study’s lead author, Molly Kornfield, cautioned that the sample size was small and more research is needed.

As climate change continues to drive more frequent and intense wildfires, understanding the full impact of smoke on fertility is crucial. Researchers like Nicholson are calling for further studies to determine whether fertility can recover after smoke exposure and how long such recovery might take.

In the meantime, experts advise those trying to conceive to monitor air quality and take precautions during smoke events, such as staying indoors and using air purifiers. These measures are particularly important for residents in smoke-prone areas.

Original reporting: Buckrail (Jackson WY) — read the source article.