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

Sperm approaching a female egg. Across the world, sperm counts have been declining at a rate of about 1% a year for the past 50 years. Picture: PA 

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.