By AP/KWMU
St. Louis, MO – A new study shows a significantly poorer quality of semen from men in rural mid-Missouri than in males in more urban areas like New York and Los Angeles.
The University of Missouri study shows evidence that semen quality varies significantly among regions of the U.S. and says exposure to agricultural chemicals might explain the difference.
Researchers say semen quality was equally high in Minneapolis and New York, and slightly lower in L.A. Mid-Missouri subjects tested with significantly lower counts and quality when compared with men in the urban test sites.
Dr. Shanna Swan says environmental factors, such as extensive use of agricultural chemicals, might contribute.
In mid-Missouri's Boone County, more than half of the land is farmed and use of chemicals is significant.