AIRPORT study of air pollutants and ART outcomes (Version 1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
AIRPORT – A feasibility study of the impact of the level of exposure to ambient Air Pollutants on Outcomes of assisted Reproductive Technologies
IRAS ID
294240
Contact name
Meenakshi Choudhary
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 22 days
Research summary
Air pollutants are harmful substances in the atmosphere and have adverse effects on human health. Increased levels of air pollutants have been associated with breathing disorders and heart disease and affect all age groups. How increased levels of air pollutant exposure affects fertility, specifically IVF outcomes, is not yet clear. This is a question that is becoming more significant as demand for IVF increases alongside increasing global air pollutant levels.
This study aims to measure an individual’s air pollutant exposure levels during an IVF cycle and use this data to see if there is any association between the level of pollutant exposure and IVF outcomes.
This is a pilot study where couples will be provided with a personal portable device for a 2-6 week period during the IVF cycle. Our study will be the first to use these portable devices in assessing the effect of environmental pollutants on fertility. Exposure to air pollutants may be modifiable. Understanding the impact of air pollutants on IVF outcomes will enable the creation of evidence-based guidance for those undergoing IVF treatments.REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/NE/0233
Date of REC Opinion
3 Feb 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion