Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

[**Avis juridique important**](../../../editorial/legal_notice.htm)

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# 91996E0693

**WRITTEN QUESTION No. 693/96 by Freddy BLAK to the Commission. Infertility** 
  
*Official Journal C 217 , 26/07/1996 P. 0097*

  

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0693/96 by Freddy Blak (PSE) to the Commission (26 March 1996)

Subject: Infertility

Infertility has been on the increase for a period of years throughout Europe.

Is the Commission contemplating, or has it already undertaken, an investigation into the causes of and possible solutions to this problem?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (15 May 1996)

The popular and scientific press have carried items referring to an association between infertility and suspected exposure to 'pseudoendocrines' or 'xeno-oestrogens' in chemical substances released in the environment. Concerns have been expressed, in particular over reported declines in the quantity or quality of human sperm. Studies in which such trends have been reported, have, however, been contested. Other pertinent studies do not show such a decline. Moreover, it is by no means certain that the supposed decrease in human sperm quality implies a decline in human fertility. Proper conclusions about any causal relationship between the occurence of health phenomena and exposure to the substances will have to wait the outcome of additional scientific research.

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