Packaging chemicals pose threat to fertility

Los Angeles, January 29: Perflourinated chemicals widely used in food packaging, pesticides and by apparel industry could seriously influence a woman's fertility, found a new study.

Researchers from UCLA stated that women exposed to perflourinated chemicals or PFCs can experience trouble in getting pregnant for longer periods as these chemicals may reduce fertility in women.

The study, published in the journal 'Human Reproduction' online, studied 1,240 Danish women for a period of six years (from 1996 to 2002) who conceived and went through childbirth in this duration.

The research team, led by Professor Jorn Olsen, measured levels most commonly used two forms of PFCs- perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in their blood.

These women were asked about the time they took to conceive. About 15 percent of women were over 35, when fertility naturally starts to recede, and average age was calculated to be 31 for the group. General factors like age, lifestyle and socio-economic status were considered in the analysis.

Women with high levels of either of the PFCs took longest to conceive i.e. more than 12 months or went through infertility treatment. Women with very low levels were found to conceive within six months. Researchers say that PFOS exposure is found to be a more serious threat to fertility as compared to PFOA exposure.

Professor Jorn Olsen said, "We are waiting for further studies to replicate our findings in order to discover whether PFCs should be added to the list of risk factors for infertility."

Tony Rutherford from the British Fertility Society said, "This research shows a tenuous link in the delay to conception in women with the highest levels of two commonly used perfluorinated chemicals."

"This is an important finding and certainly warrants further detailed research, particularly in those trying for a family. This study emphasises the importance of remaining vigilant to potential environmental factors that may impact on fertility," he added.

However, how exactly PFCs interfere with women's fertility is still not known to the researchers. They suggested that PFCs might be affecting male sperms, which give rise to troubles to couples seeking progeny.

Researchers believe that this is an important factor "since the couples may share similar aspects of lifestyle and around 99% of subjects in this cohort had a spouse or partner". Further studies, as they noted, are required to understand the effect of PFCs on sperms.

PFOA manufacturing and packaging industry uses PFOA on a large scale. It is also used in waterproof clothing, non-stick cookware and heat-resistant whereas PFOS is used in insecticides, fire extinguishers and for treating surfaces and upholstery.