Air pollution harms male fertility while women face similar risk from noise, study finds

Air Pollution and Noise Pollution Linked to Infertility, Study Finds

A recent study published in the BMJ has found that air pollution is associated with a higher risk of infertility in men, while noise pollution is associated with a higher risk of infertility in women.

Study Details

The study, which has undergone peer review, examined the long-term exposure to road traffic noise and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in relation to infertility risk in men and women.

The study analyzed data from a database of 526,056 men and 377,850 women aged 30 to 45 who had fewer than two children and were living in Denmark between 2000 and 2017. The participants were actively trying to conceive.

The study excluded individuals who had undergone sterilization or surgery to prevent pregnancy.

Findings

Over the 18-year period, 16,172 men and 22,672 women were diagnosed with infertility. After adjusting for factors such as income, education level, and occupation, the study found that:

1. Exposure to PM2.5 levels that were 2.9 micrograms per cubic meter higher than average over five years was associated with a 24% increased risk of infertility in men aged 30 to 45.
2. Exposure to road traffic noise levels that were 10.2 decibels higher than average over five years was associated with a 14% increased risk of infertility in women over 35. Noise was not associated with infertility in women aged 30 to 35.
3. Road traffic noise was associated with a small increased risk of male infertility for those aged between 37 and 45, but not those aged between 30 and 37.

Implications and Sustainable Development Goals

Infertility affects one in seven couples in the UK who are trying to conceive. The study’s findings highlight the importance of addressing air pollution and noise pollution for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The researchers emphasized the need for further studies to confirm their results. They stated that if the findings are confirmed, implementing measures to mitigate air pollution and noise could be crucial for improving birth rates in the western world, where declining birthrates and increasing maternal age are significant concerns.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
   • Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
   • Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population-weighted).
   • Indicator 11.6.3: Proportion of urban solid waste regularly collected and with adequate final discharge out of total urban solid waste generated, by cities.

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
   • Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula.

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are:

• Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
• Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
• Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population-weighted).
• Indicator 11.6.3: Proportion of urban solid waste regularly collected and with adequate final discharge out of total urban solid waste generated, by cities.
• Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: theguardian.com