Does Exposure To Pollution Increase Risk Of Fertility Among Men, Women?

A new study published in the British Medical Journal has revealed that exposure to noise and air pollution could significantly impact fertility. Conducted in Denmark, the research analyzed data from over 9,00,000 individuals aged 30 to 45, shedding light on how urban environmental factors influence reproductive health. 

What did the British Medical Journal study reveal? 

The study, spanning from 2000 to 2017, found that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air was linked to a 24 per cent increased risk of infertility in men who were exposed to higher levels over a five-year period. PM2.5 particles are known to penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, potentially causing various health issues. Dr. Allan Pacey, a professor of andrology at the University of Manchester, highlighted the significance of this study, noting that it provides robust evidence linking air pollution to infertility, compared to previous research that often relied on indirect measures like semen quality, according to media reports. 

Interestingly, PM2.5 exposure did not show a similar effect on women’s fertility. Instead, the study identified road traffic noise as a significant factor affecting female reproductive health. Women over the age of 35 who were exposed to elevated noise levels had a 14 per cent higher risk of infertility. This association was not evident in younger women aged 30 to 35, suggesting that the impact of noise pollution on fertility may be more pronounced in older women.

This comprehensive analysis underscores the broader implications of environmental pollutants on reproductive health and highlights the need for continued research and public health interventions to mitigate these risks.