Scientists: Air pollution could affect female fertility

March 26, 2010 A new study finds, among women trying to conceive through in-vitro fertilization, those exposed to greater air pollution may have a somewhat lower chance of success.

The study in the journal Human Reproduction adds to evidence that air quality may have subtle effects on reproduction.

Scientists say they do not have a direct cause and effect relationship, but in theory, air pollution might cause widespread inflammation in the body, increase the body's production of cell-damaging oxygen free radicals, or make the blood more prone to clotting.