How wildfire smoke destroys fertility in men and women and wreaks havoc on our bodies: ‘Giant toxic soup’

The flames are not the only thing wreaking havoc. As public awareness of the steadily increasing number of wildfires — such as the recent Dove Fire in downtown Sonora near Yosemite National Park that has forced mandatory evacuations, and the recent Ontario wildfires that prompted an Air Quality Health Advisory across the Big Apple — continues to rise, experts emphasize that the accompanying smoke inhalation needs to be taken seriously, especially for those trying to conceive or who are already pregnant. According to a study published in early 2026 by the National Library of Medicine, scientists found that inhalation of wildfire smoke can decrease semen concentration and total motile sperm count, producing an overwhelmingly negative effect on sperm quality. The negative effects of wildfire