Increased miscarriage risk in US linked to THIS everyday chemical. What pregnant women can do

Time of India

5 days ago

Increased miscarriages after exposure to this chemical?
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Researchers have found that exposure to a certain chemical has specifically increased the risk of recurrent miscarriages in women in the US. A new study has shed light that exposure to certain frequently used chemicals, classified as human carcinogens, may increase the risk of recurring miscarriage, reports NewsWeek.The researchers have found that exposure to four different types of PFAS chemicals , also known as "forever chemicals," were associated with higher risks of "unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion". This means recurrent miscarriage in women where the cause is not known.Even though recurrent miscarriages are not common in US, with five in 100 women estimated to have two miscarriages in a row, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified PFAS chemicals, or per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, as a Group 1 carcinogen—with studies since finding the chemicals can cause a wide range of effects on public health.Researchers identified thousands of variations of PFAS chemicals, but found that exposure to PFBA, PFDoDA, PFHpS, and PFHxS in particular was linked to a higher risk of recurrent miscarriage.These chemicals, used for decades across multiple industries, are present in everyday consumer products including nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, stain-resistant furniture, and even smartwatch wristbands.The researchers in the study said "specific clinical manifestations complicates both diagnosis and treatment" in unexplained recurrent miscarriage. They added that the lack of understanding posed "significant challenges to clinical management and contributes to heightened psychological burden among patients."In the sample, 110 had experienced explained recurrent miscarriage, while 91 were control subjects, and there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, body mass index, occupation or income. And those who had experienced unexplained recurrent miscarriage had higher concentrations of PFAS in their blood samples than those in the control sample.Researchers revealed that four chemicals- PFBA, PFDoDA, PFHpS and PFHxS- have positive associations with unexplained recurrent miscarriage."We already know that PFAS are associated with preterm birth, low birth weight, reproductive toxicity, preeclampsia, decreased fertility, and single occurrence of miscarriage," Phil Brown, a professor of sociology and health sciences and the director of the Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute at Northeastern University, told Newsweek.He said PFAS were also "associated with gestational diabetes, which in turn leads to a number of harmful outcomes such as preeclampsia and preterm birth."Jennifer L. Freeman, a professor of toxicology at Purdue University, Indiana, also told Newsweek that the study added to "those similarly reporting increased risk of adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes with PFAS exposures," but that more research was needed to learn about "this potential association."While it is yet to be clear how PFAS chemicals may be contributing to recurrent miscarriages, Graham Peaslee, a professor of physics at University of Notre Dame, Indiana said, "PFAS have been shown to be endocrine disrupting chemicals in previous published work." He added, "If a chemical interferes with reproductive organ functions, the endocrine system, then spontaneous miscarriages are one of the unfortunate results."Brown noted that while further research is necessary to understand how PFAS exposure may contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes, the study's findings could 'shape care for pregnant women in the future,' especially when it comes to blood testing."Blood testing is recommended for people with a history of elevated exposure to PFAS," he said, citing the PFAS committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM)."That could be from local industry, contaminated food and water, personal care products, household products, and workplace exposure," he added.Brown noted that pregnant women can take several steps in light of these findings. One is to ask their healthcare providers to learn about PFAS, order PFAS blood tests, and advocate for mandated health insurance coverage for such testing.Addressing PFAS contamination in drinking water is also critical. Brown encouraged expectant mothers to press local water utilities to keep PFAS levels as low as possible in accordance with state and federal guidelines. Installing water filters designed to remove PFAS can further help, along with being mindful of personal consumption habits—avoiding products that contain these chemicals whenever possible.Freeman emphasized the importance of recognizing PFAS exposure through food and suggested opting for consumer and food products with fewer PFAS to minimize risk. Peaslee added that, given the wide range of adverse health effects linked to PFAS, everyone—especially those who are pregnant or planning pregnancy—should take steps to limit exposure.Still, Brown stressed that while individuals can reduce personal risk, the most effective approach is 'upstream source reduction,' ensuring harmful exposures are prevented at the source rather than placing the responsibility on individuals.