The Effect of Ambient Air Pollution on Sperm Quality

• DOI: 10.1289/ehp.0901022
• Publication Date: 2009-09-18T16:22:23Z
• Authors: Craig Hansen; Thomas J. Luben; Jason D. Sacks; Andrew Olshan; Susan Jeffay; Lillian Strader; Sally D. Perreault
• Keywords: Sperm Quality

BackgroundResearch has suggested an association with ambient air pollution and sperm quality.ObjectivesWe investigated the effect of exposure to ozone (O3) particulate matter < 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) on quality.MethodsWe reexamined a previous cohort study water disinfection by-products evaluate quality 228 presumed fertile men different profiles. Outcomes included concentration, total per ejaculate (count), morphology, as well DNA integrity chromatin maturity. Exposures O3 PM2.5 were evaluated for 90–day period before sampling. We used multivariable linear regression, which levels adjustment (i.e., without season temperature) assess relationship between pollutants during key periods development adverse outcomes.ResultsSperm concentration count not associated PM2.5, but there was evidence (but statistically significant) decreased count. Additionally, significant increase percentage cells cytoplasmic drop [β = 2.64; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.21–5.06] abnormal head (β 0.47; CI, 0.03–0.92) base model. However, these associations, along all other outcomes, significantly either pollutant after controlling temperature. Overall, although we found both protective effects, generally no consistent pattern increased elevated or PM2.5.ConclusionsExposures at below current National Ambient Air Quality Standards decrements outcomes this men. some results effects count, morphology.