Effects before pregnancy

There are indications that the risk of birth defects increases and that the childs heart function may be impaired later in life if the mother is exposed to increased particulate matter pollution before pregnancy.

Reduced fertility is also associated with exposure to particulate matter pollution.

In a retrospective study on air pollution and IVF (in-vitro fertilization), the University Hospital of Bordeaux, France, found the likelihood of successful pregnancy being decreased by 25% after a district heating system powered by pellets or wood 100 meters from the fertility clinic had been installed.“The fine dust particles released during the combustion of biomass can have a detrimental effect on germ cells and embryos,” the researchers say.

Studies have also shown that the toxic substance benzo(a)pyrene, which is increasingly emitted when wood is burned, can impair the development of reproductive organs.

The male reproductive system seems to be particularly sensitive to this toxic substance during its development.