Air
pollution has garnered considerable interest in last few years because of the
multiple adverse effects reported on human health. Air
pollution is hard to escape, no matter how rich an area you live in. It is all
around us. Microscopic pollutants in the air can slip past our body’s defences,
penetrating deep into our respiratory and circulatory system, damaging our
lungs, heart and brain. “The true cost of climate change is felt in our
hospitals and in our lungs. The health burden of polluting energy sources is
now so high, that moving to cleaner and more sustainable choices for energy
supply, transport and food systems effectively pays for itself (WHO article). The
injurious effects of air pollution are widespread and are many. Every day
commuting to work or travelling around our town or city, we’re being exposed to
high levels of toxins. Air pollution is a global environmental burden, and has
been identified as a significant public health risk. It is very dangerous to
our health although its impact on
fertility remains unclear. There are lot of heavy
particles presented in the air such as carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide,
manganese dioxide, zinc oxide, nitrates etc. which directly affects our
hormones and triggers fertility issues. Actually the chemical particles in the
air are enough to make people
infertile.
We have recently seen at least 15 to 20 patients
especially men and after complete examination we came to know that due to air
pollution there is a reduction in their testosterone or oestrogen levels that
leads to low desire for intercourse, thereby hindering their sex life and
further causing
infertility issues. Couples suffering from infertility need to exercise caution
especially if they are residing in areas with high ambient particulate matter.
Relocating to areas with low contamination of particulate matter is an
alternative to prevent adverse impact on fertility.
Air pollution creates problem
among pregnant women too:
Constant exposure to high air pollution
increases the risk of miscarriage and starting of pre term labor in pregnant
women which further results in low birth weight. Actually fetal development is
very sensitive to environmental factors; particularly high blood pressure which
is associated with increased morbidity and mortality causing a lot of problems
for mother and the unborn child including preerm delivery. It will be good if
a pregnant woman limits her outdoor activity, stay inside mostly. Also, please
avoid walks particularly in the morning and evening hours; people should also
avoid physical activities like cycling or jogging as it leads to inhalation of
greater volumes of minute pollutants.