Exposure To 'Forever Chemicals' In Cleaning Products Can Advance Menopause By 2 years

Being exposed to a particular chemical found in a wide range of products used for cleaning, carpeting, food packaging, and processing might advance menopause in women by two years, warned a new study.

Popularly known as 'forever chemicals,' PFAS used in a variety of firefighting foams, nonstick and waterproof products could also contaminate drinking water. Estimates suggested that one out of three Americans might be drinking water contaminated with these chemicals.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there are approximately 5,000 different types of PFAS. Since many of them are resistant to oil, water, heat, and grease, PFAS has been widely used in stain- and water-resistant fabrics and cleaning products. Current evidence suggests that the bioaccumulation of certain PFAS could lead to serious health consequences.

"PFAS are everywhere. Once they enter the body, they don't break down and build up over time. Because of their persistence in humans and potentially detrimental effects on ovarian function, it is important to raise awareness of this issue and reduce exposure to these chemicals," MedicalXpress quoted the study's lead author Ning Ding, Ph.D., M.P.H., of the University of Michigan School of Public Health in Ann Arbor, Mich.

The Study:

The researchers at the University of Michigan School of Public Health sought to investigate the associations between PFAS and incident natural menopause in women.

They studied over 1100 multi-racial/ethnic premenopausal women in the age group 45 to 56 years.

The participants were classified into four clusters based on their overall PFAS concentrations in their blood samples namely- low, low-medium, medium-high, and high.

Women with high levels of PFAS in their blood samples reached menopause two years ahead of those with lower levels of the chemical.

The findings of the study clearly indicated that PFAS serum concentrations are linked to earlier natural menopause which is a risk factor for adverse health outcomes in the future.

"Even menopause a few years earlier than usual could have a significant impact on cardiovascular and bone health, quality of life, and overall health in general among women," MedicalXpress quoted the study’s corresponding author Sung Kyun Park, Sc.D., M.P.H., of the University of Michigan School of Public Health.