This Common Fungicide Could Be Throwing a Wrench In Your Fertility Plans — Here’s What You Must Know

Posted on 21 July 2025 by Marcus Williams — 4 min

Ever thought your smoothie’s innocent berries might be hiding a dark secret? Well, buckle up because there’s more to that luscious fruit than meets the eye — and it could be impacting fertility more than you realize.

A recent eye-opening study from Macquarie University revealed that chlorothalonil, a fungicide still routinely sprayed on produce in the U.S. and Australia, is sabotaging insect fertility by over a third. And if that sounds like something out of a sci-fi horror flick, you wouldn’t be far off. This chemical, banned in Europe, is quietly wreaking havoc on the tiny pollinators that play a massive role in our ecosystem — and the consequences might ripple all the way to our own reproductive health.

What’s the Big Deal About Chlorothalonil?

Chlorothalonil is like the banned bad boy of fungicides. It’s been shown to drastically lower fruit-fly egg production at residue levels typically found on common fruits and veggies. So while your morning salad looks healthy, it could be carrying invisible toxins that interfere with insect fertility — and that’s a huge red flag.

Why do we care so much about insect fertility here on a fertility-focused blog? Because the same environmental toxins that decimate pollinator populations often have parallels in how they affect human reproductive health. When pollinators, essential for food production, suffer, it speaks volumes about the broader ecosystem’s well-being — including ours.

Could These Chemicals Be Impacting Human Fertility Too?

The science is still evolving, but the evidence keeps stacking up: environmental toxins like chlorothalonil and other pesticides have been linked to fertility challenges in both men and women. From hormonal disruptions to reduced sperm motility and egg quality, these chemicals are not to be taken lightly.

If you’re actively trying to conceive or planning to start your family soon, this might sound like a plot twist no one expected. The good news? You can take control by becoming an informed consumer. Choosing organic produce when possible, washing fruits and veggies thoroughly, and reducing exposure to synthetic chemicals can help tip the scales in your favor.

When Nature Throws Challenges, Technology Steps In

Despite these challenges, hope is far from lost. Innovations in fertility technology are making it easier to navigate such obstacles. For instance, at-home insemination kits like those offered by MakeAMom are designed with real-world challenges in mind — including sensitivity to various conditions and optimizing success with different sperm qualities.

MakeAMom’s thoughtfully engineered kits—CryoBaby for low-volume or frozen sperm, Impregnator for low motility sperm, and BabyMaker for users managing sensitivities—offer flexible, cost-effective options outside of clinical settings. With a reported average success rate of 67%, these kits empower individuals and couples to take fertility into their own hands, literally.

So, What Can You Do Right Now?

Be a savvy shopper: Opt for organic or local produce when possible.
Clean your fruits and veggies: Proper washing can reduce residue levels.
Stay informed about environmental toxins: Knowledge is power.
Explore at-home fertility tools: If you’re navigating fertility, customized kits like those from MakeAMom could be game-changers.
Support pollinator-friendly practices: Planting native flowers and reducing pesticide use helps the ecosystem — including your future family.

Wrapping It Up — The Fertility Landscape Is Changing

The discovery about chlorothalonil is more than just a headline. It’s a wake-up call that our environment and fertility are intimately connected in ways we’re only starting to fully grasp. Protecting pollinators means protecting ourselves.

Fertility journeys are deeply personal and full of unexpected twists — much like the hidden story behind seemingly harmless fruit. Tackling these challenges with a mix of awareness, lifestyle choices, and cutting-edge fertility aids can make all the difference.

What’s your take? Have you considered the impact of environmental toxins on fertility? Drop your thoughts below, and let’s get this conversation buzzing!

For more insights on at-home fertility solutions that consider real-world conditions and sensitivities, check out MakeAMom’s innovative approaches here.

To dive deeper into the study behind chlorothalonil’s impact on pollinators, check out the full article on ScienceDaily: Banned in Europe, sprayed in America: The fungicide threatening our pollinators.