Road Traffic Pollution, Motor Driving Occupation and Human Reproductive Health- An Overview

Abstract

Generally, automobile vehicles discharge specific contaminants into the surrounding environment during operation, which might affect human and reproductive health. Additionally, a more extended period of sitting while driving is linked with the manifestation of heat in the pelvic region, which might also impact the driver’s semen quality. The data on motor traffic pollution, sitting posture duration while driving, and their impact on reproduction was collected by searching various websites. The data on the effects of traffic-related contamination on motorway tollgate workers indicated an alteration in semen quality parameters to some extent compared to control, i.e., nonexposed to traffic-connected pollution. Still, the data on other male reproductive endpoints are scanty. Some data on the impact of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) on pregnancy outcomes are accessible based on the studies mostly carried out in women residing close to the main road, which suggests the adverse impact of TRAP on pregnancy outcomes. The comprehensive data on drivers with reverence to professional driving i.e., long duration of sitting while driving and reproductive health, is scanty and needs more studies. The available information suggests that vehicular pollution might affect the semen quality and pregnancy outcome to some extent. At the same time, the impact on the other reproductive endpoints of both sexes is inconsistent, and additional data is needed to conclude these aspects of human reproduction. Further, there is a need to adopt better efficient fuel engines to reduce TRAPs or use alternate technology or fuel to petrol/diesel.