Impacts of Air Pollution on Gynecologic Disease: Infertility, Menstrual Irregularity, Uterine Fibroids, and Endometriosis: a Systematic Review and Commentary

AbstractPurpose of ReviewAir pollution is widely known to affect human cardiopulmonary health, but only recently has research begun to focus on understanding the association between ambient air pollution and reproductive health and gynecologic disease incidence. In this article, we conducted a systematic literature review to examine studies conducted to evaluate the association between air pollution and the heterogeneous gynecologic diseases of infertility, menstrual irregularity, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis. In this review, the authors discuss exposure assessment considerations, outcome definitions, statistical analyses, and relevant biological mechanisms, and also provide ideas for future directions of research.Recent FindingsEmerging literature evaluated associations between gynecologic diseases of infertility, menstrual irregularity, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis with air pollution exposures, specifically fine particulate matter (particles ≤ 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter [PM2.5]), coarse particulate matter (particles 2.5 –10 μm in aerodynamic diameter [PM2.5 –10]), traffic-related pollutants (NO2, NOx), and proximity to major roadways. Suggestive associations have been observed with distance to road and traffic exposures with incident infertility, fertility rates, and menstrual cycle irregularity. However, to date, the number of studies examining similar exposures and outcomes has been quite limited.SummaryWhile initial studies suggest a potenti...
Source: Current Epidemiology Reports - Category: Epidemiology Source Type: research