Air quality profoundly impacts health, with mounting evidence highlighting its role in reproductive health and fertility. As pollution levels rise, particularly in regions like Delhi NCR, experts warn of the long-term effects of toxic air exposure. Beyond respiratory and systemic health issues, poor air quality disrupts hormonal balance, menstrual health, and reproductive functions in both men and women.
Dr. Ashwin Shetty, Consultant in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Urogynecology at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, explains how specific pollutants harm reproductive health. Key offenders include particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3). These pollutants infiltrate the body via the lungs, triggering inflammation and oxidative stress that impair fertility.
PM2.5 particles, small enough to enter the lungs and bloodstream, are particularly harmful. Studies link PM2.5 exposure to decreased fertility in both genders, citing its adverse effects on ovarian function and sperm quality. A byproduct of vehicle emissions and industrial activities, NO2 is associated with reduced sperm quality and higher infertility risk in men. In women, NO2 exposure causes irregular menstrual cycles and diminished ovarian function. Ozone, a key smog component, reduces ovarian function in women and compromises sperm quality in men. Pregnant women exposed to high ozone levels face a higher risk of miscarriage.
Dr. Shetty emphasizes that air pollution affects fertility indirectly by harming overall health. Conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and obesity, worsened by pollution, further impair reproductive health. “Air pollution creates a cycle where systemic health issues exacerbate fertility problems,” he says.
While the relationship between air quality and fertility is complex, improving air quality can positively impact reproductive health. Reducing emissions, adopting clean energy, and increasing green spaces are effective strategies to counteract pollution’s harmful effects.
As urban AQI levels deteriorate, awareness of pollution’s risks to fertility is vital. Proactive efforts to improve air quality are essential for protecting public health and reproductive well-being.
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