PFC's in Kitchen Cookware: What Parents Trying to Conceive Should Know

A controversial chemical found in nonstick pans could be cooking up infertility problems.

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Nonstick Kitchen Cookware
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In a recent study, levels of one PFC were highest in women with a meat-heavy, veggie-light diet.
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Here's new evidence that a controversial kind of chemical may be causing trouble. A new study of 1,240 pregnant women from the University of California, Los Angeles, showed that those with higher blood concentrations of two so-called perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) -- used to manufacture nonstick cookware and found in food packaging, nonstain carpets, and a mountain of other sources -- took longer to become pregnant. Women with the highest levels were about twice as likely to take a year or longer to conceive.

It's not clear exactly how people accumulate PFCs, which makes it hard to limit exposure. Most experts say there's no need to toss out your nonstick pans, but do take care: Add oil or butter to the pan before heating, and don't leave it unattended on a burner. And fill that pan with vegetables: In a recent study, levels of one PFC were highest in women with a meat-heavy, veggie-light diet.

Fast facts:
  • 8% of women in the United States have seen a doctor because of trouble conceiving.

  • 98% of people here are exposed to PFCs, which may reduce fertility.

See a photo gallery of 11 vegetables you can plant right now

From Reader's Digest - May 2009
 
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