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Pregnancy is a crucial period in our lives and there are many factors that may influence the development of the fetus. As an expecting mother, you can protect yourself from harmful substances such as alcohol and smoking and hence live the healthiest lifestyle possible. Unfortunately, inhaling particulate matter cannot be avoided, even though it is linked to numerous negative effects, such as premature birth and lower birth weight. Nonetheless, children and adolescents in full development also remain susceptible to adverse effects of particulate matter. A recent study has for instance shown a link between particulate matter inhalation and delayed puberty, a process heavily relying on sex hormones. However, whether sex hormones are affected by particulate matter exposure and what mechanisms potentially underly this, remains largely unknown. In this study, I aim to gain more insights into the effects of exposure to particulate matter during pregnancy and childhood on the sex hormones and the potential epigenetic mechanisms involved.