The Stunning Impact of Air Pollution on In Vitro Fertilisation Success

Air pollution, a severe environmental threat, is increasingly recognised for its significant impact on health. Recent studies reveal an even more alarming aspect: the impact of air pollution on in vitro fertilisation, parenting outcomes, and the sex ratio of newborns.

Air Pollution Impacts on Women’s Fertility

Polluted air has a significant impact on reproductive health, particularly affecting women’s fertility. Meta-analyses suggest a close correlation between air pollution and female infertility. A systematic review found that increased exposure to particulate matter (PMx) is associated with higher miscarriage rates. Exposure to elevated particulate matter concentrations in the air is also linked to reduced fertility in the general population. Sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide can induce miscarriages and increase the rate of stillbirths. Nitrogen dioxide and ozone are associated with reduced live birth rates in in vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedures.

Effects on Men’s Reproductive Health

Air pollution also negatively impacts men’s reproductive health. A recently published scientific study highlights a significant reduction in the proportion of Y chromosome-bearing sperm due to men’s exposure to particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5). This suggests that particulate air pollution may contribute to declining sex ratios in various populations.

Altered Sex Ratios at Birth

The effects of air pollution extend to the ratio of male to female newborns (sex ratio at birth – SRB). The number of male newborns compared to the total number of newborns is usually slightly higher than 1/2 (more boys than girls). It tends to vary across geographic regions and seasons.

A large-scale study, “Visible Variations in Human Sex Ratio at Birth,” analysed the sex ratio at birth. The study included data covering over half of the U.S. population (150 million people) over 8 years and the entire Swedish population (9 million people) over more than 30 years. This study emphasises that environmental toxins can influence the sex of newborns:

• Increased levels of various air and water pollutants, including those from industrial and agricultural activities, are associated with lower SRB.
• Some environmental toxins, typically considered harmful, were associated with higher SRB.

Reduced IVF Success Rates

A study on the significant link between lower IVF success rates and exposure to fine particulate matter (PM) was presented at the 40th Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE). This groundbreaking study, conducted over eight years in Perth, Australia, demonstrated that exposure to PM10 and PM2.5 in the air before egg retrieval can drastically reduce the chances of a live birth.

Key findings of the study:

• The chance of a live birth decreases by 38% with higher PM10 exposure in the two weeks before egg retrieval.
• Increased PM2.5 exposure in the three months before egg retrieval also significantly reduces live birth rates.

Despite the exceptionally good air quality during the study, the negative impact of even minimal pollution levels was clear. This study highlights that air pollution affects the early stages of pregnancy and the quality of eggs.

Grim Reality: Daily Deaths Due to Air Pollution

A new UNICEF report reveals that every day, 2,000 children under the age of 5 die from air pollution. This shocking statistic underscores the broader implications of environmental pollution on children’s health, including its impact on increasing neonatal deaths and global mortality rates.

There is mounting evidence that air pollution affects overall health and has profound implications for reproductive health and parenting outcomes. Policymakers and public health officials must address these environmental risks to protect future generations.

What Can Be Done?

Marquis Intelligence has already installed air purification devices in some IVF clinics, aiming to increase the success rate of the process and help bring many sweet babies into the world. However, it is crucial to ensure clean and healthy air in homes because women undergoing IVF, during pregnancy, after birth, and throughout their lives spend most of their time at home. Children are susceptible to air pollution, highlighting the importance of clean air at home.

See also: Mini Case Study: Impeccably Clean Air in Hospital in Novi Sad

Let’s prioritise clean air for a healthier life and a better future for generations to come.

This article is part of the “Air Pollution and Health” series, in which Marquis Intelligence, as a socially responsible company, raises awareness about the harmful impact of polluted air on human health.
Document: MC-AP&H-003.24 – The Stunning Impact of Air Pollution on In Vitro Fertilisation Success.