A Canadian study published last week suggests that exposure to organic solvents may affect male fertility. The research indicates that men who work as painters, decorators, dry-cleaners, printers or builders, for example, where repeated exposure to solvents occurs, may be twice as likely to have low sperm counts. Men with the highest exposure may be three times more likely to experience problems with their fertility.

The researchers studied 1,200 men across Canada who had recently attended a fertility clinic. All were asked their occupation, which was graded according to the normal level of exposure to solvents. Scientists then studied samples of the men's sperm. It was found that the higher or more frequent the level of exposure to solvents was, the more chance there was of having problems with sperm production or motility.

Dr Nicola Cherry of the Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of Alberta in Edmonton wrote the report for the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine. She said that some of the men studied may also have been exposed to lead, but explained that their only common factor was solvent exposure. Stating that exposure to solvents is common in some occupations and in recreational pursuits such as DIY, she said 'the results of this study suggest that efforts should be made to identify the compounds hazardous to male fertility and if the risk is confirmed, to regulate their use'.

The results of the Canadian study have prompted the UK Department of Health to agree to fund a study of 3,000 infertile couples in Britain.