Organization: Audubon
Contact: Patrick Burns
Abstract: Population Growth and the Environment
The link between rapid population growth and environmental degradation is one issue of concern to population and environment experts. But what about the impact of environmental factors on fertility? Are some fertility declines the result of environmental contamination rather than programs to increase access to family planning information and services? Over the past decade, scientists have begun to study the impact of environmental contaminants, most notably endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as DDT and dioxin, on human fertility. These chemicals, which accumulate in body fat, mimic the actions of hormones, and disrupt normal body development and functioning. Scientists agree that these chemicals are linked to a range of adverse health effects in animals. But scientific findings available about the impacts of these ubiquitous substances on human beings are less conclusive. At what levels of exposure and under what conditions do they constitute a threat to human health? Can we link increased infertility among women, declining sperm counts, increases in testicular and prostate cancer, and other reproductive disorders to exposure to these chemicals? Dozens of researchers, funders and activitists came together recently to discuss the links between the environment and fertility. Learn more about these issues from Pat Waak, Director of Audubon’s Population & Habitat Campaign, at 303/442-2600.