Women with elevated levels of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their blood have a 40% lower chance of conceiving within a year of trying, according to a groundbreaking study on the impact of these chemicals on female fertility.
PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” are found in a wide array of consumer products due to their water- and oil-resistant properties. They are used in non-stick cookware, food containers, clothing, and furnishings. These chemicals persist in the environment, contaminating water and soil, and have been increasingly linked to health risks, including cancers and diseases affecting the liver, kidneys, and thyroid.
While PFAS contamination affects nearly 99% of individuals tested in the U.S., this research was conducted in Singapore, where contamination levels are lower. Nevertheless, the study found a strong correlation between PFAS exposure and reduced fertility.
The research, published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, involved over 1,000 women of childbearing age in Singapore who were attempting to conceive. The study revealed that women with PFAS levels one quarter higher than the average had a 40% lower chance of pregnancy within a year and a 34% lower chance of delivering a live baby within the same period. The impact was more pronounced when considering PFAS as a combined mixture rather than individual chemicals.
Previous studies suggest that PFAS interfere with hormones, egg production, and ovarian function, and they have been linked to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). While this study focused on female fertility, PFAS are also known to affect male fertility, though researchers lacked data on the exposure levels of the women’s partners. Future studies assessing both parents would provide a more comprehensive understanding of PFAS-related fertility issues.
Dr. Nathan Cohen, lead author from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, emphasized that women planning pregnancy should be aware of PFAS exposure risks and take precautions to minimize contact with these chemicals. Dr. Damaskini Valvi, an assistant professor at Mount Sinai, warned of a global PFAS contamination crisis and advocated for a complete halt in PFAS production to eliminate exposure risks. In the meantime, individuals can reduce their exposure by using water filters and avoiding PFAS-containing products.
PFAS exposure has broader health implications beyond fertility. These chemicals have been found in cord blood, the placenta, and breast milk, potentially affecting both maternal and infant health. Risks include complications such as preeclampsia and neurodevelopmental delays in children.
An earlier meta-analysis published in January examined 13 studies on PFAS exposure and female fertility, supporting the conclusion that these chemicals contribute to declining fertility rates. Some governments have begun to take action. In January, five EU nations proposed banning 10,000 PFAS chemicals, while U.S. President Joe Biden has initiated measures to regulate certain PFAS. The UK has also suggested phasing out some of these substances. However, Valvi argues that banning only a subset of PFAS is insufficient, as thousands of variants remain in use worldwide.
In March, Canadian scientists announced a new method for capturing and destroying PFAS, offering a potential solution to this widespread contamination problem. Addressing the PFAS crisis requires global regulatory efforts and continued research to mitigate its effects on reproductive health and beyond.
