Dr. Nahed Hammadieh

The impact of air pollution on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), particularly In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), is a growing concern amid environmental degradation. Even in controlled laboratory environments, peaks in external pollution can impact embryo development. Research indicates that increased levels of particulate matter (PM), ozone, and nitrogen dioxide diminish embryo quality and live birth rates.

An eight-year cohort study found that high PM10 levels significantly reduced live birth rates by 38% during the weeks preceding oocyte retrieval (Leathersich et al., 2025), highlighting adverse effects that occur even at relatively low pollution levels. Further studies have revealed that increased PM2.5 exposure before oocyte pick-up is associated with a lower oocyte yield and poorer embryo quality, independent of maternal factors.

Retrospective data also confirm negative interactions between ambient pollutants and ART success (Smith, 2021). From a toxicological impact mechanism, Pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons disrupt hormone function, affecting folliculogenesis and endometrial receptivity. Additionally, exposure to nitrogen oxides can impair male Sertoli function and female ovarian tissue, further compromising gamete quality (Conforti et al., 2018).

About Dr. Nahed Hammadieh.

• Obtained the highest academic degrees granted to this specialty in the UK. He spent years conducting intensive research and clinical practice, aiming to provide significant help to his patients.

• Trained in Obstetrics & Gynecology in the South of England to Midlands in 1999 to take a Clinical Research Fellow Post in Reproductive Medicine at Birmingham Women’s Hospital and Honorary Lecture at Birmingham University. In 2002, he became the first sub-specialist in Reproductive Medicine and Infertility at Cardiff University.

• Appointed as Consultant in Reproductive Medicine and Clinical Director for Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) at CARE, Nottingham.