Reproductive health and fertility in male wildland firefighters
Understanding and Communicating Reproductive Health Consequences for Male Wildland Firefighters
This project looks at whether wildfire smoke exposure changes sperm quality and reproductive markers in male wildland firefighters.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11179092 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you are a male wildland firefighter, this work would ask you to give semen and other samples before and after fire seasons so researchers can look for changes over time. The team will measure motile sperm counts in 100 firefighters across seasons as a direct marker of fertility. In a subgroup of 50 participants they will also analyze sperm epigenetic markers that might predict sperm quality and effects on future children. The study builds on lab animal findings suggesting smoke can change sperm and aims to see if similar changes occur in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are currently active male wildland firefighters of reproductive age who can provide paired semen samples across fire seasons.
Not a fit: People who are not male wildland firefighters, are not exposed to wildfire smoke, or cannot provide the required samples and follow-up are unlikely to benefit directly from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could clarify whether firefighting smoke harms fertility and guide protective policies, screening, and reproductive counseling for firefighters.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies have shown smoke-related changes in sperm epigenetics, but human studies on firefighter fertility are limited, making this one of the first targeted human investigations.
Where this research is happening
Fort Collins, United States
- Colorado State University — Fort Collins, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Montrose, Luke Benjamin — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Montrose, Luke Benjamin
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.