Particulate matter exposure increases the risk of reduction in human fecundity in South Asia

Abstract The estimated infertility prevalence in South Asia was among the highest in the world, however, epidemiological study concerning the effects of particulate matter exposure was absent in this region. Utilizing the well-adopted Demographic and Health Survey data, 27,462 eligible women were included to estimate fecundity and its association with particulate matter exposure in South Asia. The couple’s fecundity, including time to pregnancy and infertility prevalence, was estimated to be from 5.53 to 11.57 months, and from 26–49%, respectively. An overall association of reduced fecundity with increased particulate matter exposure was identified, with adjusted fertility time ratios (95% confidence intervals) being 1.05 (1.04, 1.06), 1.04 (1.03, 1.05), and 1.01 (1.01, 1.02) per 10 µg/m3 increment in PM1, PM2.5, and PM10, respectively. Furthermore, millions of months’ delay in achieving pregnancy might be attributed to particulate matter exposure. Here, our findings suggest that human fecundity is threatened by ambient particulate matter in South Asia.