Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine have reported that a broad class of chemicals, often described as “endless,” may significantly lower a woman’s chances of conceiving. The findings, published in Total Environmental Science, suggest that prolonged exposure to these substances could be linked to reduced fertility in healthy women. This study adds to a growing body of evidence about how environmental chemicals can influence reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, have been used since the mid-1900s as non‑stick coatings and to repel dirt. They are sometimes called timeless chemicals because PFAS do not readily break down in the environment, raising concerns about long-term human exposure. The durability of PFAS means they can persist in water, soil, and food chains, increasing the likelihood that people encounter them in daily life. Researchers highlight that PFAS are a broad family of compounds with varying properties, some of which are more persistent or bioaccumulative than others.
Earlier studies have shown that PFAS exposure can influence hormone levels, potentially affect the timing of puberty, and raise the risk of reproductive disorders in women, including conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome. In the current investigation, scientists examined how PFAS exposure might alter the odds of becoming pregnant in a group of otherwise healthy women. The aim was to better understand whether real-world exposure levels could translate into measurable changes in fertility, beyond what has already been observed in laboratory settings or isolated populations for specific PFAS compounds.
The study enrolled more than a thousand women from Singapore who underwent a series of pre-conception consultations, each lasting several months. After the education sessions, researchers tracked pregnancy outcomes over the following year through regular follow-ups conducted by phone. This design allowed investigators to relate participants’ health status and behavior to the eventual pregnancy results, while also accounting for various lifestyle factors that could influence fertility. The researchers also collected biological samples from a subset of participants to measure PFAS concentrations in the blood, enabling an assessment of how different exposure levels might correspond to fertility outcomes.
Analyses revealed that even relatively low PFAS concentrations were associated with a modest decrease in the probability of conceiving, with reductions ranging from about 5 to 10 percent. In contrast, higher PFAS levels were linked to more substantial declines in pregnancy probability, with reductions estimated between 25 and 40 percent. These results underscore the potential impact of chemical exposure on fertility, especially for individuals planning pregnancy in environments where PFAS are more prevalent in water, food packaging, or consumer products. The researchers emphasize that these findings need replication in larger and more diverse populations to confirm the strength and consistency of the associations across different settings and PFAS subclasses.
Despite the conspicuous findings, the scientists acknowledge that the study has limitations. They note the possibility that unmeasured factors could bias the results and recognize the need for further research to establish causality and to explore the mechanisms by which PFAS might influence reproductive biology. The team advises women who are trying to conceive to minimize exposure to PFAS when feasible, particularly in high-exposure environments, and to discuss any concerns with healthcare providers. Ongoing studies with broader participant groups and improved exposure assessment are expected to clarify the extent to which PFAS contribute to fertility challenges and to identify which compounds pose the greatest risks. Although caution is warranted, the current work adds to a growing conversation about environmental determinants of fertility and the importance of reducing persistent chemical exposure in everyday life, especially for women planning pregnancy. This context comes from researchers affiliated with the Icahn School of Medicine and related environmental health scientists, with conclusions published in Total Environmental Science as described in the study materials.”