KOLKATA: Working long hours with laptops on the lap and keeping mobile phones in trouser pockets significantly raise the risk of male infertility and even impotence, according to a new study by Calcutta University (CU) and the Institute of Reproductive Medicine that challenges older research debunking theories linking lowered sperm counts to electromagnetic radiation exposure.The study by CU’s Genetics Research Unit and the medical institute entailed statistical, molecular and genetic analysis of samples collected from 1,200 men between 20 and 40, based on lifestyle, workplace risk factors, food habits and addictions, if any.“Data showed that several of them store mobile phones in their trouser pockets for over five hours or work for hours with laptops placed on their laps,” said associate professor of zoology Sujay Ghosh, who led the research team. The analysis revealed a significant association between radiation exposure and increased risk of azoospermia in genetically susceptible individuals, especially those aged below 30. “The results indicated that those who silently carry certain genetic mutations face infertility risk factors at least 10 times higher than those who don’t,” Ghosh said. Of the 1,200 people chosen for the study, 708 had azoospermia (absence of sperm) while 640 others had a healthy sperm count.The findings contradict multiple studies worldwide that found no conclusive evidence about mobile phone radiation causing infertility. A recent paper by University of Utah in the US states that “sperm counts can change hour to hour, day to day, and month to month”.