SWIMRSS

Smoke and Wildfire Impact on Male Reproductive Success Study

Does smoke exposure have any impact on a male wildland firefighter’s reproductive health?

The impact of smoke exposure on firefighter health is poorly understood and mostly limited to lung and heart outcomes. Recent data suggests that certain environmental exposures, including air pollution, can contribute towards infertility and sperm abnormalities. This raises the concern that wildfire smoke may also impact male reproduction. The scientific literature and anecdotal evidence from firefighters suggest that adverse reproductive outcomes from wildfire smoke should be analyzed. This study will address an important health outcome and help to fill a major gap in the scientific literature.

Click HERE to read the full study design.

What does the research tell us already?

epigenetic effects of wildfire smoke on mouse sperm DNA

wildfire smoke inhalation impacts sperm motility

inhaled toxins affect male reproductive health

wildfire smoke and human health

UPDATE: We have surpassed our recruitment goals for the first phase of the study! While recruitment for phase one is currently paused, we are continuing to recruit for future phase(s) of SWIMRSS.

We are recruiting 100 male wildland firefighters from all over the United States. Recruits must be over the age of 18 and have not had chemotherapy or a vasectomy. Recruits will collect and analyze a sperm sample before, during, and after active wildland fire season, in the privacy of their own home. Samples will be shipped to CSU for further testing. All materials, including the collection and analysis kit and shipping supplies, will be provided. Participation will be anonymous and confidential.

Click HERE to share your interest in joining our study and a member of our team will be in touch!

We are now recruiting for this pivotal study

SWIMRSS Project Timeline

Join our study

Click HERE to share your contact information with us and we'll invite you to enroll.

Recruit some friends

Email or text our website to anyone that may be interested in our study.

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Post our recruitment website on your social media accounts.

Share our flyer

Print our recruitment flyer to hang in your firehouse, or share with colleagues.

Help us reach our recruitment goals

(recruitment for phase one is now closed)

Requirements for Study Participants

Consent and Enrollment

To enroll, complete a brief survey to give your consent to participate, as well as demographics, health, and occupational history

What's in the Kit?

We will mail you a sample collection kit with the analyzer, collection vials, shipping materials, and a short collection survey.

Using the Analyzer

You will receive a YO sperm analyzer that will give a real-time score on sperm quality using an app on your phone.

Storing Sample

After you have collected and analyzed your sample, you will store it in the fridge until shipment.

Colorado State University

200 West Lake Street

Fort Collins, CO 80523

123-456-7890

luke.montrose@colostate.edu

frances.rabon@colostate.edu

Want to learn more about the SWIMRSS Study?

(recruitment for phase one is now closed)