Exposure to Ambient Air Pollutants, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Female Infertility

Abstract

Background: Environmental exposures can result in adverse effects on female reproduction. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between ambient particulate matter exposure, especially polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and female infertility.Methods: Data came from a cohort case-control study of female fertility in rural China. Cases were women who were not pregnant after 1 years of unprotected sexual life among newly married couples, while the controls were women who became pregnant during the first year of marriage. Blood samples, 48 hours indoor and outdoor air exposure samples were collected. GC/MS was used to detect 16 US EPA-priority PAHs in blood and air sample.Results: Total 12 pairs cases and controls were analyzed in the current study. The mean age of the subjects was (23.7±2.8) years, most of them finished senior high school education, resided in the current place for (4.2±3.2) years. Recovery rate of 15 PAHs was (95.4±4.8)% with the range of (85.9-110)%. Total weight of PM in case group was significantly higher than control group, which was (0.011±0.011) mg and (0.007±0.002) mg respectively (P=0.014). The weight of coarse particulate matter(CP, 2.1-10μm), fine particulate matter(FP, <2.1μm) and ultrafine particulate matter(UFP, <0.43μm) and PM2.5 was significantly higher in cases. The concentration of PM in case group was significantly higher than control group, which was (0.126±0.122) μg/m3 and (0.091±0.037) μg/m3 respectively (P=0.008), so did with every type of PM (CP, FP, UFP) and PM2.5. The concentration of L_PAHs was (4.589± 4.954) μg/m3 and (9.289±10.283) μg/m3 in case and control group respectively (P=0.009), and the concentration of H_PAHs was (6.566±5.774) μg/m3 and (5.316±7.133) μg/m3 (P=0.359). Blood concentration of ANY, FLU, FLO, PYR and BghiP were higher in cases than controls.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that women exposed to PAHs may be at increased risk of infertility. Confirmation by further research is needed.