Wildfire Smoke Is Affecting People’s Sperm and Embryos, Studies Show
Recent studies indicate that wildfire smoke may negatively impact male fertility and embryo development. Research involving wildland firefighters has shown a decline in sperm quality following exposure to smoke. As climate change increases the frequency of wildfires, understanding these effects on fertility is becoming increasingly important.
- ▪A study involving 144 wildland firefighters revealed concerns about the impact of wildfire smoke on sperm quality.
- ▪Research from Oregon Health & Science University found that sperm quantity and motility decreased after exposure to poor air quality from wildfires.
- ▪Another study showed that most men experienced a decline in sperm quality and count following smoke events in Seattle.
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| Original publisher | Mother Jones |
| Canonical URL | https://www.motherjones.com/environment/2026/05/studies-wildfire-smoke-exposure-health-effects-fertility-sperm-eggs-embryos/ |
| Publication time | Fri, 29 May 2026 11:30:00 +0000 |
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freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: "motherjones_right_rail_1", slotId: "ROS_ATF_300x600" }); Regardless of their fertility goals, people should monitor air quality using a reliable data source.Marissa Garcia/High Country News Get your news from a source that’s not owned and controlled by oligarchs. Sign up for the free Mother Jones Daily. This story was originally published by High Country News and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration. Fertility isn’t a topic that tends to come up in the macho, male-dominated world of wildland firefighting—at least not according to Jasper Kehoe, 23, who served as a Colorado wildland firefighter for four summers.
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