Common Household Chemicals May Cause Fertility Issues

A recent study published in the medical journal “Human Reproduction” found that a certain class of common household chemicals effect rates of conception in women. The chemicals in question are found in clothing, personal care products, carpets, paper wraps and more. Collectively they are known as perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs). This study looked specifically at perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) which have been found to create disruptions in our hormonal system.

Your rates of these chemicals, PFOS and PFOA, can be found by examining your blood plasma. The study examined plasma levels of 1240 women over a 6 year period. They found that rates of infertility rise in direct correlation with the plasma levels of these chemicals. At the highest levels, rates of infertility were up to 3 times higher compared to those with lower levels. These chemicals are also linked to lower birth weights and other developmental issues.

The study does not provide any guidance with regards to lowering your blood levels. As these chemicals are found in so many household items and even within fish as they leech into our lakes and rivers, education and limiting your exposure is the best advice. For lists of items that have PFCs, see this website.

To read the entire study, follow this link.