Chemicals: PFCs may make women infertile

Women who have difficulty conceiving may be affected by fire-retardant chemicals found in upholstery, carpets and curtains.

Researchers tested the levels of perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) in the blood of 1,240 women, and found those with the highest amounts also took longer to become pregnant.

Earlier studies have found that PCFs cause organ damage in animals, and it’s known they can persist in the human body for very long periods.

Researcher Dr Chunyan Fei says that studies have also found that PFCs impair the growth of babies in the womb, and can disturb women’s menstrual cycles.

(Source: Human Reproduction, 2009; 1: 1-6).

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