Environmental pollution is taking a toll on overall health
Industrialization and urbanization have brought about numerous benefits, but they have also given rise to a pressing issue: environmental pollution. This not only degrades our surroundings but also poses a significant threat to our health. Air pollution levels have surged to alarming levels in various regions, necessitating urgent attention and concerted efforts towards sustainable solutions. The current PM2.5 concentration in New Delhi exceeds the WHO's recommended 24-hour air quality guideline value by a staggering 13.8 times.
Direct and indirect impact of pollution
Pollution exerts both direct and indirect impacts on our health. For instance, inhaling polluted air can result in respiratory ailments, cardiovascular complications, and even escalate to cancer. Likewise, contamination of food and water sources contributes to water and soil pollution, leading to gastrointestinal issues, neurological disorders, and heightening the susceptibility to chronic diseases. Moreover, such pollutants could also impinge on the endocrine that regulates hormones in our body. Most recently, air pollution has been shown to have a considerable effect on fertility and reproductive health. The latest study has declared that human fertility is on a decline and every one in six people suffer from infertility.
Pollutants affect hormonal balance
Certain pollutants are recognized as endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system. This is a disturbance which can result to hormonal imbalance and thereby cause infertility, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates which can cause reduced sperm quality, irregular menstrual cycles, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Moreover, according to a study conducted in China, it was found that air pollution significantly increases the risk of fertility.
The current AQI levels in many states is similar to smoking
We all are aware that tobacco smoke affects fertility. Women who smoke more than ten cigarettes per day have reduced fertility. Smoking also raises the rates of ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous abortions, stillbirths, and infant mortality, and causes reduced sperm density, total sperm count, and number of motile sperm. The current air pollution which is a result of vehicle emissions, fumes from chemical production, fuel oils, and so on is posing hazardous health impacts to the people living in and around those areas. Exposure to high levels of air pollution during pregnancy has been linked to adverse outcomes, such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental issues in offspring. It can also affect the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures and lead to higher rates of miscarriage.
Pollution affects sperm quality
Studies have revealed that air pollution reduces sperm quality, therefore hampering natural conception and increasing the chances of ART. Airborne particulate matter and heavy metals from polluted air can lead to sperm DNA damage and sperm motility.
Pollution increases infant mortality
Moreover, higher pollution levels are associated with higher rates of infant mortality. These pollutants cause breathing difficulties in babies and increase the chances of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Water contamination is root cause of many infections and diseases. According to some research, there might be a link between pesticides and thyroid problems, especially on pregnant mothers. The thyroid gland is an important part of the endocrine system and plays a critical role in the production of a hormone that governs the body’s metabolism. Apart from heart health, muscle function, digestion, controlled by this hormone; decreased levels of thyroid hormones can also affect ovulation and the menstrual cycle.
What can be done?
Pollution at its apex is not only a concern for the environment but also a serious threat to human health, including fertility and healthy reproduction. Anyone planning a family or expected mothers should refrain from exposing themselves to any sort of pollution. It is advisable that during extreme air pollution, we must avoid any sort of outside travel /movement. Governments, industries, and individuals among other entities should strive to reduce pollution levels as in the coming future its impacts on our fertility and reproductive health will be severe. Together, we must ensure that the next generation has a chance to create healthy families and communities.
(Author: Dr. Kshitiz Murdia, CEO & Co-Founder, Indira IVF)
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