Who Needs Condoms When You Have Midwest Pesticides?

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As if the Midwest weren’t dealing with enough already, doctors now worry that the shockingly low sperm count of mid-Missouri men means there’s something in the water, or worse.

Nothing’s proven, yet, but all eyes were on pesticides after diazinon, an insecticide, and metolachlor, an herbicide, were found in a large number of the semen samples.

Local researchers have requested funding from the NIH to look further into the issue but have been turned down. The results of a CDC-conducted test will be released this summer.

Until then, if Missourians are looking to have kids, perhaps they should try on one of these. [H/T: Grist]

—Brittney Andres

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YOUR GIFT DOUBLES THROUGH FRIDAY

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In a climate where journalists face mounting pressure to back down, stay silent, or soften their reporting, Mother Jones refuses to flinch. We’re pushing back against intimidation and delivering fierce, independent journalism that holds power accountable—no matter who’s trying to silence us.

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