Action needed on plastic additives linked to sperm decline, experts warn

Amid collapse of global pollution treaty, scientists highlight environmental factors causing fertility crisis

Action must be taken to curb the use of plastic additives linked to plummeting sperm counts, a leading reproductive scientist has warned, as splits over chemical regulation contributed to the collapse of a crucial treaty on plastic pollution.

Across the world, sperm counts have been declining at a rate of about 1% a year for the past 50 years, and human fertility has been diminishing at a similar rate, studies have shown.