A recent study conducted at the University of Exeter concluded that men who keep cell phones in their pockets could be adversely affecting their sperm quality. And as cell phone ownership increases, public health leaders look to determine what exactly that could mean for human health, specifically, fertility.
Mobile devices emit radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation. Led by Fiona Mathews, the investigators found differences in sperm quality between subjects who were exposed to this radiation and those who were not. The study was published in the Environmental International journal.
Among the 1,942 samples, men exposed to cell phone radiation experienced reduced sperm motility by eight percent and viability by nine percent.
Past studies have raised similar concerns. Cell phones generate heat, and when kept in a pocket, that heat can raise the nearby skin temperature. Research has indicated that this could suppress sperm production, as reported by TIME.
The study noted that further examination is necessary to fully comprehend the implication of its findings, but it can’t hurt to take precautions and keep your phone out of your pocket.