How Does Air Pollution Affect Men's Health?

Air pollution, defined as the contamination of indoor and outdoor environments by chemical, biological and physical agents, is a growing global health concern. According to research published by the World Health Organization (WHO), ambient air pollution kills as many as 7 million people prematurely per year, with the fine particulate matter in dirty air linked to serious health issues like cancer and heart disease.

Air pollution has not only been shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in unprotected humans, it's also been associated with significant reproductive health problems impacting the male population. In one recently published study, researchers found a link between air pollutants and male fertility potential that suggests prolonged exposure could damage reproductive health organs.

Considering that the global Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has more than halved in the last 70 years, leading experts to believe by 2050 75% of countries will not have high enough fertility rates to sustain existing populations, efforts must be made to better understand and ultimately address links between exposure to air pollutants and male infertility. With this in mind, let's explore how air pollution affects men's health.

The Link Between Air Pollution and Reduced Sperm Count

Data compiled from multiple studies suggests the global sperm count may have reduced by as much as 50% over the last 50 years. While multiple factors are thought to have negatively impacted global sperm concentration metrics, including smoking, long-term health conditions and age, researchers believe the volatile organic compounds and particulate matter found in air pollution to be decreasing sperm motility.

In data-backed studies, scientists have proven that particulate matter measuring 2.5 to 10 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5 - PM10) can induce excess reactive oxygen species in humans. In simple terms, the particulate matter in polluted air has been shown to cause damage to the blood-testis barrier in males, which in turn can negatively affect spermatogenesis and lead to a significant decrease in sperm motility.

While more research is required to fully understand the multitude of ways that exposure to air pollutants can negatively impact male reproductive health, scientists are generally aligned in the idea that ambient air pollutants are a cause for concern. In particular, human studies consistently reveal links between air pollution and a notable reduction in semen quality, impacting measurable sperm quality parameters like:

• Semen volume
• Sperm concentration
• Sperm motility
• Sperm morphology

How Exposure to Air Pollution Impacts Male Reproductive Health

Examining the aforementioned study into the implications of air pollution on male reproductive health offers some insight into exactly how exposure to air pollutants can negatively impact male reproductive parameters. Researchers note that upon entering the male body via ingestion or inhalation, ambient air pollutants trigger the production of reactive oxygen species that act to damage male reproductive cells.

The body's natural defenses, in this case, cause oxidative stress that's been proven to disrupt important physiological processes associated with male reproduction such as sperm production and functionality. Below are some examples of specific outcomes believed to be directly impacting reproductive potential.

DNA Fragmentation

Exposure to air pollution can cause damage to sperm cells in the form of DNA fragmentation, a process that breaks down DNA into small fragments that the body cannot repair. Sperm DNA fragmentation has been linked to otherwise unexplained male infertility in medical studies, as well as multiple tangentially related human health risks like the occurrence of birth defects and increased prenatal mortality rates.

Lowered Sperm Parameters

Exposure to outdoor air pollution is associated with significant decreases in semen quality, sperm count, sperm concentration, total motility and increased abnormal morphology, all of which have been linked to negative reproductive outcomes and other similarly related adverse health effects. Researchers believe the more a male is exposed to air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide, the greater the negative effects will be. The harmful effects of exposure may also be passed on to future male offspring.

Inflammation of the Testes

The oxidative stress caused by the ingestion of air pollutants can cause inflammatory responses in the male genital system, leading to male sexual dysfunction in the form of reduced sperm count, production and functionality. Prolonged exposure to ambient and indoor air pollutants may therefore significantly damage male reproductive organs, leading to a higher risk of infertility and a reduction in semen quality.

Reduced Reproductive Potential

Ambient air pollution is frequently linked with reduced productive potential in human and animal studies. One such study suggests traffic-related air pollution containing pollutants like nitrogen oxides emitted from a typical car's internal combustion engine can contribute to pregnancy loss events. In addition, air pollution has been shown to decrease odds of successful live birth after IVF treatment by almost 40%.

What Can Be Done to Mitigate Risks?

Institutions from around the globe, including the WHO and the National Natural Science Foundation, believe air pollution to be among the world's leading environmental causes of disease, with experts urging individuals and businesses to explore effective ways to better monitor and address pollutants.

While long-term efforts like reducing the use of fossil fuels and using cleaner modes of transport will help to combat environmental pollution over time, more immediate measures must be explored to assist men in protecting their reproductive health. Below are a few examples of effective personal mitigation strategies worth keeping in mind.

Air Quality Monitoring

Modern environmental sensors can be used to continuously monitor the air quality in any given space in search of potentially harmful pollutants and contaminants. Businesses may install advanced vape smoke detectors or air quality monitors in high-risk areas like offices and break rooms to instantly warn staff and guests of dangerous pollution events, with readings enabling individuals to choose whether or not to risk entering said areas.

Men may also choose to carry a personal air monitor to better understand air pollution risks in their own homes, as well as check live pollution forecasts to remain informed about present risks in their localities.

Protective Equipment

If men are required to enter areas experiencing high levels of air pollution, they should consider wearing some form of protective equipment. N95 respirator masks can be used to prevent the inhalation of fine particles associated with negative health consequences, helping men to reduce the impacts of pollution on their reproductive health, though even with N95 masks time spent in polluted areas should be limited.

Lifestyle Factors

Changes to some lifestyle factors can also help to reduce the impact of air pollution on men's health. For example, choosing to exercise in clean air environments, showering immediately after being outside and remaining indoors as much as possible when living in a city can all help to mitigate air pollution risks.

Male Fertility Testing

Regular visits to a male fertility clinic can help men to remain informed about risks factors affecting their reproductive health. Professionals can measure advanced semen parameters such as oxidative stress, sperm DNA fragmentation and overall sperm quality to identify whether pollutants may be of concern or are directly affecting reproductive potential in an individual to help men improve reproductive outcomes.

Conclusion

Air pollution is currently considered to be one of the world's leading environmental causes of disease and premature death, with experts linking environmental pollutants like carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and fine particulate matter with serious health problems like cardiovascular disease, cancer and strokes.

Excessive exposure to air pollution can be particularly harmful to men, with recent studies suggesting a clear link between common air pollutants and decreased male reproductive health, illustrated by factors like a drop in average sperm count and sperm quality in many semen samples provided by modern men.

Men who are worried about these findings should explore mitigating measures intended to reduce their exposure to air pollutants, including the use of air quality monitors and protective equipment, as well as regular check-ups at male fertility clinics. As more evidence links air pollution to negative reproductive outcomes, increasing levels of attention must be paid to effective protective and preventive strategies.