Women with elevated blood levels of PFAS, a group of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, show a notable reduction in the likelihood of conceiving. In the first known study examining PFAS effects on female fertility, scientists observed that women with higher PFAS exposure had about a 40 percent lower chance of becoming pregnant within a year.
PFAS, a family of water and oil resistant chemicals, have been detected in a large portion of the population. In the United States, prevalence studies indicate widespread exposure, and research conducted in Singapore, where environmental pollution levels differ from other regions, still found a strong link between PFAS exposure and reduced fertility. The Guardian reports these findings as part of ongoing concerns about how these compounds may influence reproductive health.
PFAS are used in a broad range of products, from nonstick cookware and food contact items to textiles and furnishings. They are often labeled as persistent chemicals because they accumulate in water and soil and degrade very slowly. Health research continues to associate PFAS with various adverse outcomes, including risks to the liver, kidneys, thyroid function, and cancer in some contexts.
While some PFAS have been phased out, the industry is rapidly substituting them with similar compounds. In recent years, more than twelve thousand related chemicals have been produced, prompting calls from researchers for broader regulation of the entire PFAS class.
take precautions
The study’s lead author, Nathan Cohen, notes that women aiming for pregnancy should be aware of the potential harms of PFAS and consider ways to limit exposure. An assessment by the World Health Organization indicates a significant portion of the global population experiences infertility, underscoring the importance of understanding environmental factors that may contribute to reproductive challenges.
Damaskini Valvi, an assistant professor involved in the research, emphasizes that stopping PFAS production holds promise for reducing exposure. In the meantime, personal steps can help lower exposure, such as using certified water filtration and avoiding consumer products known to contain PFAS.
The Singapore study included more than a thousand women of reproductive age who were attempting to conceive. Researchers measured a range of PFAS levels in participants and tracked fertility outcomes across pregnancy attempts. The results showed that women with PFAS levels only moderately above the average experienced a significantly lower chance of pregnancy within one year, with a corresponding decrease in the likelihood of a live birth during that period.
Up to 40 percent less chance of getting pregnant
The analysis revealed that PFAS exposure interacts with multiple compounds rather than acting in isolation. When researchers assessed combined PFAS levels, the impact on fertility appeared stronger than when considering single chemicals alone. This supports the idea that mixtures of chemicals can interact to influence reproductive health more than any one substance on its own, according to Valvi.
While the study adds to the growing body of evidence linking PFAS to hormonal disruption and effects on egg production and ovulation, it is not definitive. Prior laboratory studies have shown that PFAS can influence hormonal pathways in the female reproductive system, including potential impacts on conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome. The broader picture points to a plausible association between PFAS exposure and fertility-related outcomes, but more comprehensive research is needed to establish clear causation.
Reference work: ScienceDirect study on PFAS and fertility published in 2023.
A note on data interpretation: researchers stress the importance of considering exposure to multiple PFAS compounds together rather than in isolation to better understand health effects.
Further reading and study materials are available through environmental health journals and public health organizations.
This article reflects ongoing findings in environmental health and aims to present balanced information on PFAS exposure and fertility outcomes for readers seeking informed guidance about environmental risks and reproductive health considerations.