FT Edit presents: Global sperm counts are falling. This scientist believes she knows why
Life and Art from FT Weekend
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The Rise and Fall of the Plastics Era
Sperm count appeared to have declined 52% in 38 years, or something over 1% a year. The plastics era that began in the early 20th century delivered seemingly endless convenience, affordability and hygiene. Chemicals from plastics leach out of containers into food, particularly when heated. Bottle-fed babies are swallowing millions of microplastic particles a day,. An ingredient used in Teflon, PFOA, has been linked to cancer, ulcerative colitis, and birth deformities.
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