UMass Research Tells Dads-To-Be To Avoid Plastic Wrap, Mac & Cheese, Cologne

New England Public Media | By Kari Njiiri

Published September 12, 2017 at 9:21 PM EDT

A pregnancy test, faintly positive, which the couple later discovered was expired by six months.

We've all been told that expectant mothers should avoid alcohol and smoking during, and preferably before, pregnancy. Well, what about expectant fathers?

UMass Amherst professor Rick Pilsner teamed and other researchers teamed up with the in vitro fertilization clinic at Baystate Medical Center. They took urine samples from men on the same day their sperm was collected.

Pilsner told us they found significant amounts of phthalates, which are known to affect sperm quality and possible early life development.

Kari Njiiri

Kari is a senior reporter and long-time host and producer of Jazz Safari, a musical journey through the jazz world and beyond, broadcast Saturday nights on New England Public Radio. Born in New York City, and raised in both Kenya and the U.S., Kari first arrived at NEPR as UMass Amherst student fascinated radio's ability to cross geographic and cultural boundaries. Since then, he has worked in several capacities at the station, from board operator and book-keeper, to production assistant and local host of NPR’s All Things Considered.

See stories by Kari Njiiri

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