Pollution and infertility: a problem that affects today’s generations and those of the future

The effects of pollution on reproductive health

The European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (Eshre) shares concerns about the impact of environmental factors on reproductive health and declining fertility rates in recent years.

Pollution also damages fertility, both male and female.

More and more studies are confirming this correlation, investigating environmental effects on the reproductive capacity of both men and women, fetal malformations, and reproductive diseases and cancers.

Hazardous environmental factors include all those chemicals that can alter the functioning of hormones with adverse effects on adult and fetal health. These substances are spread into the environment through air pollution and are present in everyday objects, cosmetics, and personal hygiene products.

In addition, prolonged exposure to radiation (and thus also to radon gas) can adversely affect fertility.

There is also scientific evidence that pollutant particles can cross the placenta and reach the fetus, and that women living in polluted environments have higher infertility.

An Italian study published in Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, revealed that there are certain pollutants that can even change the structure of sperm DNA. It follows that it is not only those exposed to pollutants who are more vulnerable to certain diseases, but also future generations.

Female infertility

A study conducted by Institut Marquès de Barcelona on a sample of women under the age of 40 showed a significant correlation between environmental pollution and female infertility: 80% of women with regular menstrual cycles fail to get pregnant due to toxins or other pollutants that have accumulated in their bodies over the years.

Thus, according to the study, only 20% of female infertility cases would be attributable to genetic factors.

Male infertility

An international team of scientists, published a paper in the scientific journal Human Reproduction Update that showed that sperm concentration has declined by more than 50% in just under 40 years. There were about 7,500 studies taken into consideration, covering Western countries.

A team of Italian scientists led by the president of SIRU, the Italian Society of Human Reproduction, checked levels of air pollution, particulate PM 10 and PM 2.5 in particularly polluted areas. They then compared the data collected with the levels of sperm DNA fragmentation, or a form of genetic damage to sperm DNA that can cause fertility and embryo development problems, of hundreds of healthy male adults with healthy lifestyles.

The study found that such fragmentation is significantly higher in subjects from polluted areas than in subjects from areas with little or no pollution.

Thus, environmental pollution is of concern not only with regard to the fertility aspect, but also with regard to health in general.

Why choose Radoff?

Air quality is a crucial aspect of environmental health and can have a significant impact on the reproductive health of both men and women.

Monitoring and improving air quality is essential not only to prevent infertility but also to improve the overall health and well-being of the population. Choosing Radoff technology can make a big difference in preventing exposure to pollutants and protecting reproductive health.

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