Long-term exposure to PM2.5 air pollution appears to be associated with a higher risk of infertility in men, while road traffic noise with a higher risk of infertility in women over 35, according to a study published in the journal The BMJ ».

Infertility affects one in seven couples trying to conceive.

The researchers studied data on 526,056 men and 377,850 women aged 30-45, residing in Denmark between 2000 and 2017. A high proportion of participants were actively trying to conceive and therefore at risk of an infertility diagnosis. Individuals with an existing diagnosis of infertility were excluded.

The survey calculated average annual PM2.5 concentrations and road traffic noise levels through each participant’s residential address.

Exposure to higher average PM2.5 levels of 2.9 µg/m3 over five years was associated with a 24% increased risk of infertility in men aged 30-45, but not in women. Additionally, exposure to 10.2 decibels higher average road traffic noise levels over five years was associated with a 14% increased risk of infertility in women over the age of 35. Noise was not associated with infertility in younger women. Similarly, in men, noise was associated with a small increased risk of infertility in the 37-45 age group, but not in those under 37.

These risks were the same in people living in rural, peri-urban and urban areas, and in people of all socioeconomic levels.

The researchers clarify that this is an observational study, so causation cannot be established, and point out that if these findings are confirmed in future studies, they could help guide strategies to regulate noise and air pollution to protect the general population.

See here the scientific publication.