Impact of PM2.5 Exposure from Wood Combustion on Reproductive Health: Implications for Fertility, Ovarian Function, and Fetal Development

This study evaluates the impact of PM2.5 exposure from wood combustion on reproductive health and fetal development using an experimental model in Sprague Dawley rats. The study was conducted in Temuco, Chile, where high levels of air pollution are primarily attributed to residential wood burning. A multigenerational exposure model was implemented using controlled exposure chambers with filtered (FA) and unfiltered (NFA) air. Second-generation (G2) female rats (<i>n</i> = 48) were exposed pregestationally (60 days) and gestationally (23 days) under four conditions: FA/FA, FA/NFA, NFA/FA, and NFA/NFA. PM2.5 concentration and composition were monitored using beta-ray attenuation and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Reproductive parameters, ovarian follicle counts, and hormonal levels were assessed via vaginal cytology, histological analysis, and chemiluminescence immunoassays. PM2.5 exposure disrupted estrous cyclicity (<i>p</i> = 0.0001), reduced antral and growing follicles (<i>p</i> = 0.0020; <i>p</i> = 0.0317), and increased post-implantation losses (<i>p</i> = 0.0149). Serum progesterone and estradiol levels were significantly altered (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Despite ovarian disruptions, fertility rates remained unchanged. These findings suggest that chronic exposure to wood smoke-derived PM2.5 adversely affects ovarian function and fetal growth without significantly impairing overall reproductive capacity. This study highlights the need for public health policies to mitigate wood smoke pollution.