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Pollution and Paternity

As if we didn’t have enough reasons to clean up the air we breathe, here’s one more: air pollution may damage sperm and cause miscarriages.

Researchers studying fertility in the Czech Republic found that high levels of air pollution were linked to low levels of fertility and increased miscarriages. Damaged sperm rates were highest during winter, when pollution from coal combustion for heating was also highest. But sperm conditions improved during the warmer months, leading researchers to conclude that the damage was reversible.

Burning fossil fuels to generate electricity is the largest source of air pollution in the United States. Emissions from cars, trucks and buses and from a number of industries also add to the problem. Poor air quality has been shown to exacerbate childhood asthma and bronchitis and cause health problems in the elderly, especially for people suffering from heart or lung disease. At its least harmful, it can cause coughing and burning eyes. At its most harmful, it can cause death to occur.

Pollution levels associated with sperm damage in the Czech study were at or above the upper limits of acceptable air quality for the United States. Nonetheless, scientists advise couples that are trying to conceive to steer clear of air pollution when possible. Experts also advise couples to exercise, eat well and quit smoking to help boost fertility.

Of course, spending less time in rush-hour traffic has added benefits that could help conception as well: lower stress levels.

To see the study, go to www.humrep.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/20/10/2776.

To learn more about the health consequences of air pollution, go to www.envirohealthaction.org/pollution/, www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/airpollution.html, or www.familydoctor.org/085.xml.

To read more about this and other environmental health issues, go to www.healthandenvironment.org, www.environmentalhealthnews.org or www.ourstolenfuture.org.