River 'pollution' sparks fertility fears MarineBio Marine Life Directory

River 'pollution' sparks fertility fears

URL:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/1877162.stm

Sunday, 17 March, 2002 - Chemicals blamed for changing the sex of male fish could affect human fertility, according to scientists in the UK.

A five-year study by the Environment Agency to be published later this month suggests that half the male fish in lowland English rivers are developing female characteristics because of pollution.

Scientists blame the pollution on a "potent" form of oestrogen found in urine from women using the contraceptive pill, which may be flushed through sewage works and into rivers.

They fear the chemical could contaminate drinking water - one third of which is taken from rivers.

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