Are we polluting our fertility? Why in this case “green” means Go!
By Sònia Gayete Lafuente, MD, PhD, who is a Foundation for Reproductive Medicine Research Fellow at the CHR. She can be reached through the editorial office of The Reproductive Times.
Briefing: With this article, the author concludes a series of contributions to The Reproductive Times pointing out the effects of our lifestyles on reproductive health. The current environmental pollution crisis has become a growing concern across the globe. Yet, despite its significant consequences, pollution’s impact on human fertility has been barely discussed. While young people are increasingly aware of environmental issues, their global fertility rates have continued to decline, sparking interest in potential environmental causes. We summarize how environmental factors—including increasing air pollutants, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), toxic metals, and other everyday toxins such as plastics and other chemicals—are influencing both female and male reproductive health, and outline strategies to mitigate these risks.
The Influence of Environmental Pollution on Fertility
A growing body of studies has revealed that environmental pollutants can significantly affect human fertility. Exposure to key factors such as temperature, radiation, and toxic substances—including endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)—have been identified as major contributors to adverse outcomes. These include altered menstrual cycles, diminished oocyte quality, impaired sperm parameters, and consequently reduced pregnancy rates. Recognizing these environmental hazards allows us to take proactive steps to limit exposure, which can help preserve fertility and may also protect future offspring. Let’s explore them!
The Role of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)
One of the primary culprits behind environmental pollutants’ impact on fertility are EDCs. These substances, found in a range of everyday products like plastics, pesticides, and cosmetics, are molecules that interfere with the body’s hormonal systems. Notable EDCs linked to altered hormone regulation, female infertility, and reduced sperm quality include:
Bisphenol A (BPA): Found in some plastic containers and bottles, food and beverage cans, Tupperware, thermal paper for receipts, plastic lenses, one-time-use plastic utensils, some toys, and even plastic linings in water pipes or medical and dental devices.
Phthalates: Found in soft plastic containers, personal care products (perfumes, shampoos, nail polish, lotions and creams), cleaning products with fragrances, vinyl flooring, synthetic materials in some furniture, and even toys made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or other soft plastics.
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs): A group of chemicals used as flame retardants in consumer products, including furniture (mattresses, sofas), electronics, textiles, and fire-resistant insulation.
Organochlorines and Pyrethroids: Components found in some common pesticides used in gardening and farming.
Several studies have suggested that individuals experiencing sub-fertility tend to have higher concentrations of at least some of these toxic substances in their systems.
Among products for women, BPA exposure is particularly concerning. Recent publications have pointed out that BPA is found at higher levels in women who struggle with natural conception. In assisted reproductive treatments, BPA exposure correlates with lower estradiol levels, fewer fertilized oocytes, and decreased implantation success. Animal studies have demonstrated BPA’s ability to disrupt ovarian development, folliculogenesis, and hormone secretion, especially raising concerns about its impact on conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis.
Hopefully, BPA will be restricted in its use or even banned in the near future, following the example of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a group of chemicals used from the 1920s until the 1970s in several industrial applications, before being banned in the US due to their toxic persistence in the environment and accumulation in living organisms, causing several harmful ecological and reproductive health effects.
The Impact of Heavy Metals on Reproductive Health
Environmental pollution has also increased human exposure to harmful heavy metals, which pose significant risks to fertility. Toxic metals like mercury, lead, and cadmium can interfere with reproductive health at multiple levels—affecting development, hormone regulation, and overall reproductive function. Research has linked chronic exposure to these metals with conditions such as menstrual disorders, endometriosis, spontaneous abortions, and infertility.
Mercury is a well-known toxic metal found in fluorescent light bulbs, some batteries, and even in some cosmetics. Due to worsening ocean pollution, this metal also builds up in fish and seafood worldwide and enters the food cycle. Mercury can affect the nervous, digestive, and immune systems in humans, with considerable negative consequences for fertility. Mercury exposure has been associated with reduced sperm count, motility, and abnormal morphology. While data on the effects of mercury on female fertility remain limited, evidence suggests that it alters hormone levels, and exposure during pregnancy may result in adverse outcomes such as birth defects and developmental delays in offspring.
Lead is another toxic metal, mainly found in lead-based paint in older buildings, contaminated soil, plumbing with lead pipes, and certain imported goods (e.g., toys or jewelry). It has been linked to spontaneous abortions.
Cadmium exposure is known to increase the risk of endometriosis and has also been associated with several other reproductive health issues. It is present in cigarette smoke, industrial emissions (such as from mining or battery manufacturing), and contaminated food (particularly shellfish, liver, and kidney meats). Importantly, it also acts as a metalloid estrogen, interfering with estrogen receptors and potentially leading to reproductive disorders.
Given the growing body of evidence on the impact of heavy metals on female fertility, further research is urgently needed to understand the genetic, epigenetic, and biochemical mechanisms that contribute to reproductive impairment.
Mitigation Strategies: What You Can Do
While it may be difficult to completely avoid environmental toxins, there are proactive steps individuals can take to reduce their exposure and protect their reproductive health. Here are some practical strategies:
Minimize plastic use, as plastic containers and food packaging often contain BPA and other harmful chemicals.
Opt for glass, stainless steel, or BPA-free plastics for food and drink containers.
Look for "phthalate-free" labels on cosmetics, toys, and personal care products.
Choose fragrance-free products, as phthalates are often used in fragrances.
When possible, buy PVC-free products (e.g., in flooring, toys, and shower curtains).
Avoid products with a strong synthetic smell, as they often contain phthalates in the fragrance.
Be especially cautious with cosmetics, as many cosmetics and personal care products contain EDCs like phthalates. Choosing natural beauty products can help reduce your exposure.
Choose organic products, especially organic foods, which are less likely to be contaminated with harmful pesticides and other chemicals. Buying organic products, when possible, can reduce your exposure to these toxins. Many manufacturers are now shifting toward greener and more sustainable alternatives, especially in products meant for babies or food storage. This is especially important for pregnant women, those trying to conceive, and new moms, who should be mindful of the items they use regularly.
Advocate for occupational exposure and public health safety policies to benefit workers in certain industries who may be more likely to encounter chemicals and pollutants that can disrupt hormonal function and impair reproductive health. Health and safety policies must specifically address the reproductive health risks of these individuals. Public health regulations must focus on reducing exposure in high-risk environments and ensure industries comply with safety standards to protect the reproductive health of employees.
Globally, we must advocate for stronger systemic environmental regulations that limit industrial emissions and the use of toxic chemicals in consumer products. Supporting policies aimed at reducing pollution will have a positive long-term impact on reproductive health and well-being.
Preserving one’s fertility, often through egg or embryo freezing, may come into play, especially if you are aware that something unavoidable in your environment may adversely affect your fertility. Being a responsible consumer, you can take a more proactive approach toward fertility preservation treatments that will enhance your overall future reproductive potential. This applies equally to women and men, as both eggs and sperm can be frozen (and, of course, so can embryos). Such a choice may be especially appropriate if you live in a highly polluted area or are exposed at work to known environmental toxins potentially affecting your reproductive health.
Encouragingly, this is all your choice!
Reading List
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