Pollution and noise may raise infertility risk

A new study from Roskilde University has found that air particle concentration is directly related to male infertility, with a 44% increase in risk for every 5 microgram rise in particles per cubic meter of air. This is approximately the difference in pollution levels between the lowest in Denmark and the highest in the capital area. Professor and environmental researcher Mette Sørensen emphasizes that there appears to be no safe lower limit of pollution without harm. The study also reveals that traffic noise may increase the risk of infertility in women over 35 by 13% with every 10-decibel rise in noise, suggesting an association between noise-induced stress and impaired sleep with the ability to conceive. Roskilde University describes the study as a milestone in research on environmental factors and reproductive health.