The GuardianThe Guardian

‘Forever chemicals’ linked to infertility in women

By Damian Carrington

06 Apr 2023 · 3 min read

Editor's Note

"Forever chemicals" are a class of chemicals often used to make products that are grease proof or water-proof. The Guardian reports on findings which suggest such chemicals can lead to infertility.

Women with higher levels of so-called “forever chemicals” in their blood have a 40% lower chance of becoming pregnant within a year of trying to conceive, according to the first known study on the effect of PFAS on female fertility.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have been found in almost everyone tested for them, with 99% of people in the US contaminated. The research was conducted in Singapore, where contamination levels are lower, but the scientists still found a strong correlation with reduced fertility.

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