Air pollution significantly raises risk of infertility, study finds

An analysis of 18,000 couples in China has found that they have a greater risk of infertility due to living in areas with "moderately higher levels of small-particle pollution".

Although the study did not determine how pollution could damage fertility, the scientists argued that pollution causes inflammation in the body and as a result this could damage egg and sperm production. The researchers also took other factors into account such as age, weight and smoking history.

This article could be used for the Global Development unit, as well as a broader discussion about birth rates (demographics).