Study Links Ambient PM2.5 Exposure to Lower Pregnancy and Live-Birth Rates in ART
An international study has found a correlation between exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and reduced rates of clinical pregnancy and live births following assisted reproductive technology (ART). The findings were presented at ESHRE 2026.
An international study has established a link between exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and lower rates of clinical pregnancy and live births after assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles. The research was presented at the ESHRE 2026 congress in London on July 29, 2026.
The study, presented by Jeffrey Zi Kang Huang, a student from Taipei American School, was a collaborative effort involving the Taiwan IVF Group, Ton Yen General Hospital, and Stanford University. It analyzed data from over 12,000 ART cycles to examine the impact of air quality, specifically PM2.5 concentrations, on fertility treatment outcomes.
Researchers observed that higher ambient PM2.5 levels were statistically significantly associated with decreased rates of clinical pregnancies and live births. This association remained consistent even after accounting for other potential contributing factors, such as the woman's age and the specific type of ART treatment used.
These findings highlight the potential role of air pollution in reproductive health and the success of fertility treatments. The results may inform future clinical recommendations for individuals undergoing ART, emphasizing the importance of mitigating environmental exposures.