New research shows that exposure to air pollutants can harm the development of eggs, sperm, and embryos, increasing the risk of infertility.
According to The Guardian, previous studies have indicated that exposure to air pollution may contribute to infertility, but it has not been clear whether toxins affect men or women more.
These studies have also not determined when damage occurs during the fertilization process.
Pollutants Affect Fertilization Ability
It is often assumed that air pollution harms women more, but new research shows that a father’s exposure is also a concern.
A new study by American scientists surveyed about 1,400 men and women trying to conceive through in vitro fertilization (IVF). This allowed researchers to examine oocytes, which later develop into eggs, and sperm developed separately, in different physical areas.
Exposure to air pollution may contribute to infertility – (Photo: REUTERS).
The authors reviewed air quality data in the participants’ living areas and at fertility clinics.
The results showed that exposure to organic carbon and fine particulate matter during the development cycles of eggs and sperm negatively impacted the survival of eggs, fertilization rates, and embryo quality.
“We often do not think about the impact of exposure in men before conception, but these effects are significant, not only for fertility but may also affect the health of future children,” said Audrey Gaskins, a researcher at Emory University and the lead author of the study.
Pollution “Attacks” Clinics
According to researchers, exposure to organic carbon, a component of fine particulate matter, during the ovarian stimulation phase appears to make eggs less likely to survive.
Fine particulate matter is a common air pollutant produced by diesel vehicles, power plants, and other industrial facilities, as well as smoke from wildfires.
Gaskins noted that a previous study found that the wives of traffic police in India, where air pollution levels are high, had lower rates of successful pregnancies.
“The study highlights that short-term impacts during critical stages are also noteworthy,” Gaskins said. “Smoke from wildfires contains a lot of organic carbon, so special attention should be paid to areas affected by wildfires,” she added.
Even the air quality inside clinics has an impact. The study found that higher levels of organic carbon on egg thawing days were associated with lower egg survival rates, while higher ozone levels were linked to lower fertilization rates. This relationship was observed even when clinics had air filtration systems.
The research did not find significant effects from other air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide.
According to the study’s authors, those trying to conceive can take some protective measures, such as using HEPA air filtration systems indoors or high MERV-rated heating filters to filter out fine particulate matter.
Additionally, they should avoid congested traffic areas and stay indoors on days with high air pollution.
