Exposure to high levels of air pollutants can decrease the chances of achieving a live birth following IVF by up to 38%, according to a recent study out of Perth.
This concerning discovery highlights the significant impact of air quality on reproductive health, even in regions typically considered to have good air quality.
Key Findings
- Reduction in Live Birth Rates: The study, published by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, revealed that exposure to air pollution before egg retrieval during IVF significantly lowers the chances of a live birth.
- Timing Matters: The study observed that higher pollution levels in the weeks and months before egg collection were particularly detrimental, reducing live birth rates by up to 38%.
- Unexpected Impact: These findings were surprising given that the study took place in Perth, Australia, where air quality is generally considered good and exceeds WHO guidelines on very few days.
The Science Behind the Study
The research examined over 3,600 frozen embryo transfers, making it the first study to focus specifically on the influence of air pollution during both the egg collection and embryo transfer stages.
Dr. Sebastian Leathersich, the study’s lead author, emphasized that pollution’s impact on IVF success is likely due to its effects on egg quality rather than the early stages of pregnancy.
Accumulating Evidence on Air Pollution’s Impacts on Pregnancy Health
This is not the first time air pollution has been linked to adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes. Various studies have linked air pollution to:
- Low birth weight and preterm birth (which can make babies more susceptible to health problems like brain damage, blood disorders, and lower respiratory infections)
- Placental abruption
- Interference in organ development
- Problems with immune system development
- Plus increased risk of maternal health problems including postpartum depression and hypertensive disorders.
These findings add to the growing body of evidence linking air pollution to various health issues, not just problems during pregnancy. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), outdoor air pollution is a serious risk, causing over four million premature deaths worldwide each year.
The Wider Problem of Declining Birth Rates
The findings of this IVF study are part of a growing body of research linking everyday chemical exposures to declining fertility rates globally.
Numerous studies have pointed to chemicals like endocrine-disrupting phthalates as significant contributors to reproductive health problems. These chemicals can interfere with hormone function, sperm quality, and genital abnormalities, leading to decreased fertility in both men and women.
One of the most influential voices in this area is Dr. Shanna Swan, an environmental and reproductive epidemiologist. In her book Count Down, Dr. Swan highlights the alarming decline in sperm counts and overall fertility rates over the past few decades. Her research suggests that exposure to everyday chemicals, including phthalates and bisphenols (such as BPA), is a key factor in this trend. Dr. Swan’s work has brought widespread attention to the idea that these chemicals are not only affecting individual fertility but could also have profound implications for future generations.
Although factors like air pollution and everyday exposures to certain chemicals are certainly not the only reason for declining birth rates, these are important pieces of the larger puzzle. This mounting evidence underscores the urgent need for more comprehensive regulations and public awareness to mitigate these risks and protect reproductive health.
What You Can Do
While it’s impossible to completely avoid air pollution, there are steps you can take to minimize your exposure, especially if you are pregnant or undergoing IVF:
- Stay indoors on high-pollution days: On days when air quality is poor, limit outdoor activities and keep windows closed. You can use Purple Air’s real-time air quality map to check air quality in your area.
- Use air filters: Consider using adequate air purifiers in your home to reduce indoor pollution levels.
- Ditch the fragranced products, or at least switch to healthier alternatives.
- Avoid sharing space with people who are smoking when possible.
- Avoid high-traffic areas and/or keep car windows closed during rush hour to minimize inhaling polluted air.
- Advocate for change: Stronger government and industry actions are crucial to reducing emissions and improving overall air quality.
Looking To What’s Next
Researchers are planning further studies to explore how air pollution directly affects human eggs. This ongoing research is vital for developing strategies to protect reproductive health in an increasingly polluted world.
These findings underline the importance of addressing air pollution not just for overall health, but also for reproductive outcomes. As awareness grows, it is hoped that more robust measures will be taken to ensure cleaner air for everyone.