reproductive health
Wildfire smoke may harm IVF outcomes in affected areas
Women undergoing IVF in regions impacted by wildfires may face challenges in conception due to exposure to poor air quality, according to a study from Oregon Health & Science University.
In short:
- A study linked wildfire smoke with reduced effectiveness of IVF treatments, particularly in producing blastocysts.
- Researchers observed these effects in women undergoing IVF during the 2020 Oregon wildfires.
- The study suggests using air filtration and protective measures for women in wildfire-prone areas.
Key quote:
“Minimizing exposure as much as possible is probably best, not just for reproduction, but for all facets of health.”
— Dr. Molly Kornfield, assistant professor of reproductive endocrinology and infertility at the OHSU Center for Women’s Health
Why this matters:
As wildfires become more frequent, understanding their impact on health, including fertility, is vital. This research highlights the importance of mitigating poor air quality for better reproductive outcomes.
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Credit: César Rincón/Flicikr
Polluted air is endangering newborns in New Mexico
A new study reveals that air pollution is significantly linked to low birth weight among babies born near industrial areas in New Mexico, posing serious health risks.
In short:
- The University of New Mexico study connects exposure to five industrial pollutants with low birth weight in infants.
- Areas like Albuquerque, Santa Fe and the Permian Basin –the country's most productive oilfield– have some of the worst air quality in the U.S., affecting local newborns' health.
- Minority and low-income communities face disproportionate impacts from pollution, with higher incidences of low birth weight among Black and Latino infants.
Key quote:
“The stakes are incredibly high. Low birth weight not only impacts the health of newborns but can also set children up for health issues that extend well into adulthood.”
— Giovanna Rossi, New Mexico organizer for Moms Clean Air Force.
Why this matters:
Protecting pregnant women and their babies from industrial pollution is vital as low birth weight is linked to severe health issues, from respiratory problems to heart disease, creating a critical public health crisis. Read more: Air pollution linked to millions of birth complications across the globe.
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Credit: www.bluewaikiki.com/Flickr
Op-ed: New York considers bill to slash plastic waste and protect health
The New York state Legislature is evaluating a bill that aims to significantly reduce plastic packaging and its associated health risks.
In short:
- The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act seeks to cut New York's packaging by 50% over 12 years, reducing exposure to microplastics and toxic chemicals.
- The bill would make companies responsible for cleaning up packaging waste, eliminating 19 harmful chemicals, and preventing environmental and health damage.
- Despite opposition from the plastics industry, the bill could set a national precedent for reducing plastic pollution.
Key quote:
"The bill would protect New Yorkers from plastic’s health risks and prevent environmental and climate harms."
— Judith Enck, president of Beyond Plastics.
Why this matters:
This bill addresses the urgent health risks posed by microplastics and toxic chemicals found in plastic packaging, which can cause serious health issues like cancer and heart disease. Its passage could inspire similar legislation nationwide, reducing plastic pollution and its widespread impacts. Read more: Americans actually agree on something — they want products free of harmful chemicals.
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Credit: Amio James Ascension/Flickr
Rising sea levels threaten women's reproductive health in Bangladesh
Women in Bangladesh are suffering severe health impacts from saltwater intrusion, a consequence of climate change that could soon affect other parts of the world.
Zoya Teirstein and Mahadi Al Hasnat report for Grist, Vox, and The 19th.
In short:
- Saltwater intrusion in Bangladesh is causing reproductive health issues, including irregular menstrual cycles and infections, particularly affecting women.
- The rise in sea levels, intensified by climate change, is pushing saline water inland, contaminating drinking water supplies and driving migration from rural areas to cities.
- Similar threats from rising sea levels and saltwater intrusion are emerging globally, affecting countries like Egypt, Vietnam, and the U.S.
Key quote:
“The people are trapped. When you don’t have water to drink, how do you live?”
— Zion Bodrud-Doza, researcher at the University of Guelph.
Why this matters:
As sea levels rise, saltwater intrusion into freshwater supplies is a growing global health crisis, especially impacting women's reproductive health and driving mass migrations. Read more: Of water and fever.
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Credit: amanda tipton/Flickr
Having children in a climate-conscious world
Jade Sasser’s latest book explores the racial dimensions of climate anxiety and its impact on reproductive decisions.
In short:
- Jade Sasser’s new book, “Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question,” investigates how climate anxiety influences reproductive choices, especially among women of color.
- Survey results indicate that women of color are more likely to have fewer children due to climate concerns compared to other groups.
- The book emphasizes the need to include marginalized communities in climate anxiety research to understand their unique experiences.
Key quote:
“Climate anxiety is a normal, natural response to climate change. Let’s fight and solve climate change, and then you won’t have the thing to be anxious about.”
— Jade Sasser, environmental scientist
Why this matters:
Understanding how climate anxiety affects mental health and reproductive decisions, especially in marginalized communities is important for crafting inclusive climate policies that consider the diverse experiences of all communities. Read more: Feeling anxious about climate change? Experts say you're not alone.
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Babies born in Louisiana’s ‘Cancer Alley’ record lower birth weight, preterm births – report
New report shows babies born in notorious industrial corridor experience low birth weight at three times the national average.
Plastic chemicals linked to $249 billion in US health care costs in just one year, study finds
By contributing to the development of chronic disease and death, a group of hormone-disruptive plastic chemicals is costing the US health care system billions — over $249 billion in 2018 alone, a new study found.
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