Prenatal exposure to air pollution may hurt reproductive health in adult men, study finds
Prenatal exposure to air pollution may hurt reproductive health in adult men, study finds The Guardian
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In-utero Exposure to Air Pollutants May Impact Reproductive Health in Men
A new study conducted by Rutgers University has found that exposure to common air pollutants during pregnancy may have negative effects on semen quality and increase the risk of reproductive system diseases in men. The research focused on the impact of particulate matter called PM2.5 and nitrogen oxide on the anogenital distance, which is a marker of reproductive health related to hormone levels, semen quality, fertility, and reproductive disorders.
Linking Air Pollution to Reproductive Health
The study’s lead author, Emily Barrett, emphasized the significance of anogenital length as an indicator of testosterone activity in the womb. Shorter anogenital lengths suggest lower testosterone activity, which can have implications for fertility and reproductive health in the future. This research adds to the growing concern over global drops in semen quality and suggests that air pollution may be a contributing factor.
The Impact of PM2.5 and Nitrogen Oxide
PM2.5 is a well-studied air pollutant linked to cancer, respiratory, and circulatory diseases. Common sources include diesel exhaust, heavy industry emissions, and wildfires. Nitrogen oxide is another common toxin associated with cardiopulmonary disease, decreased lung function growth in children, asthma, and other respiratory ailments. Sources of nitrogen oxide include heavy industry and traffic.
Evidence from Animal Studies
Animal studies have shown that anogenital distance can be used to determine the developmental toxicity of pollutants. Reduced distances indicate that toxic exposure is interfering with fetal testosterone production. The researchers suspected that the same could be true in humans and analyzed anogenital distance data from The Infant Development and Environment Study (TIDES), which tracks the development of children from birth to one year old.
Findings and Recommendations
The study found a link between elevated PM2.5 exposure during the first trimester’s conclusion and anogenital distance. It also identified a connection between PM2.5 exposure during early infancy and shorter anogenital distance in males at one year old. PM2.5 may carry other toxins, such as cadmium and lead, that interfere with hormone production. Pregnant individuals are advised to follow air quality advisories, stay indoors during high pollution levels, and use N95 masks outdoors. Furnace filters with a rating of MERV 13 can help reduce indoor air pollution.
Importance of Policy and Regulation
The study highlights the need for policymakers and regulators to take action in reducing air pollution. It is crucial to address this public health issue on a nationwide and worldwide scale. Efforts should be made to reduce air pollution and protect the health and well-being of all individuals.
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