© AlamyRisk: The PFCs, or perfluorocarbons, that cause hormonal changes are found in household items such as non-stick saucepans and stain-resistant sprays
Gender-bending chemicals found in non-stick pans and food packaging are linked to early menopause, scientists say.
A major study has shown that women with the highest levels of the substances in their bodies go through 'the change' sooner than women with low levels.
PFCs, or perfluorocarbons, are found throughout the home.
They are breathed in via dust or vapour, or eaten in food, and have been linked to thyroid cancer, immune system problems and heart disease.Many researchers believe they also act as hormone disrupters in the body.
They repel water and fat, and so have been used to make non-stick cookware, greaseproof food packaging and stain-resistant sprays for clothes and carpets.
The company 3M stopped using the chemicals in Scotchgard in 2002 due to health concerns. DuPont, manufacturer of Teflon, has agreed to phase them out by 2015.
The latest study looked at levels of PFCs in blood samples from 26,000 U.S. women.
The researchers, from
West Virginia University, found levels were highest in women aged over 42 who had gone through the menopause.
Women in this age group with high levels of PFCs also had 'significantly lower' concentration of the female hormone oestrogen, the scientists report in the
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.
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