Sperm Quality Drops When Exposed To Air Pollution, Says Study

Air pollution, in particular exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is linked to lower quality of sperm, according to a new study published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine. PM2.5 refers to tiny atmospheric particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers. The research team suggests that while the size of the effect is relatively small in clinical terms, with widespread pollution, this may well be one of the factors of infertility in a significant number of couples.

Air pollution and sperm quality

While several studies have validated the role of environmental chemicals in reducing sperm quality and performance, the role of air pollution in sperm quality has not been accurately identified. A new study observed the sperm health in 6,500 men aged 15 to 49 who were exposed to PM2.5 in Taiwan. The sperm quality was assessed based on the guidelines set by the World Health Organization. The study was conducted between 2001 and 2014 on men who took part in a standard medical program during the time.

The PM2.5 levels around the houses of all participants were estimated using a mathematical approach and also data from the NASA satellite for an average of 2 years. When the sperm quality including size, shape and number were tested, it was found that there was a strong association between increased exposure to PM2.5 and sperm quality.

Study Results

• A significant drop in normal sperm shape/size of 1.29% was observed with every 5 ug/m3 increase in fine particulate matter.
• Increased exposure also put men at 26% heightened risk of being in the bottom 10% of normal sperm size and shape.
• Interestingly, increased exposure was also associated with production of higher number of sperms. The team suggests that this increase could be the body’s way to combat the detrimental effect of pollution on the sperm quality.

Limitations of the study

The results are based on an observational study and no causal conclusions can be drawn out of such a study. Also, the research team had no information about previous fertility problems in any of the participants. The research was carried out on a particular population at a particular place and the results cannot be generalized to the entire male population.

While many components of particulate matter including heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have been linked to sperm damage in prior studies, it is not yet clear how air pollution can impair sperm development and morphology.

"Given the ubiquity of exposure to air pollution, a small effect size of PM2.5 on sperm normal morphology may result in a significant number of couples with infertility," the research team warns.

References:

1. Xiang Qian Lao et al. Exposure to ambient fine particulate matter and semen quality in Taiwan, Occupational and Environmental Medicine (2017). DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2017-104529

Source-Medindia