Researchers at George Washington University have linked fast-food consumption to the presence of potentially harmful chemicals, a connection they argue could have “great public health significance.” Specifically, the team found that people who eat fast food tend to have significantly higher levels of certain phthalates, which are commonly used in consumer products such as soap and makeup to make them less brittle but have been linked to a number of adverse health outcomes, including higher rates of infertility, especially among males.
Tag: chemicals
Common Chemicals Linked to Endometriosis, Fibroids — and Healthcare Costs
Hormone-disrupting chemicals are everywhere — in plastics, pesticides and makeup — and two of them, phthalates and DDE, have been particularly strongly linked with common female reproductive conditions, such as fibroids.
In a new study, researchers estimate that the problems caused by these two chemicals alone could cost the European Union at least 1.41 billion euros a year, the U.S. equivalent of about $1.58 billion.
Do Fertility Treatments Cause Cancer?
One of the reasons I was reluctant to start fertility treatment—aside from the astronomical costs—was I was afraid what it would mean to start putting all those chemicals in my body: the hormones to increase my egg production, to make me ovulate, to regulate my cycle. It seemed like a bit much. Especially since fertility is such a burgeoning field in early stages and no one quite knows what the effects will be.
7 Surprising Things That Can Mess With Your Birth Control Pill
If taken properly, birth control pills are 99.9 percent effective (relieving, right?). But taking them effectively includes timing them right, storing them properly, and making sure your body is clear of other drugs or chemicals that could interact with your hormones and throw your body off whack. With so many things that can have a slight effect, from common medication to everyday foods, it can be hard to tell if we really our taking that pill effectively. If we aren’t, it can be equally difficult to pinpoint where we’re going wrong.
Contaminating Our Bodies With Everyday Products
In recent weeks, two major medical organizations have issued independent warnings about toxic chemicals in products all around us. Unregulated substances, they say, are sometimes linked to breast and prostate cancer, genital deformities, obesity, diabetes and infertility.
Teenage Exposure to Pesticides May Lead to Abnormal Sperm, New Study Says
Adolescent exposure to environmental pollutants known as organochlorines may lead to defective sperm, according to a study published today by researchers at Milken Institute School of Public Health (Milken Institute SPH) at the George Washington University and co-authors. The research is the first to look for associations between exposure to these chemicals in the teenage years and abnormalities in sperm that are associated with fertility problems later in life.
Prenatal Exposure to Fracking Chemicals May Affect Men’s Fertility
Hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” continues to cause much debate. While some people claim the practice is beneficial for the energy industry, others are concerned about the damage it may be causing to environmental and human health. Now, a new study fuels the latter concern, suggesting that prenatal exposure to chemicals used in fracking may influence a man’s reproductive health in adulthood.
Human Reproduction, Health Broadly Damaged by Toxic Chemicals: Report
Among the poor health outcomes linked to pesticides, air pollutants, plastics and other chemicals, according to the report from the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), an organization representing obstetrical and gynecological associations from 125 countries, are miscarriage and still births, an increase in cancer, attention problems and hyperactivity.
Are Car Dashboards, Frying Pans and Sunscreen Devastating Men’s Fertility? Modern Life ‘Poses Threat to Fatherhood for Three Out of Four Males
Sunscreen and other everyday items could be damaging male fertility, a scientist has warned. He claims potentially dangerous chemicals in everything from waterproof jackets to car dashboards and frying pans are poisoning men’s chances of fatherhood. Just one in four men now has good quality sperm and male fertility is declining across Europe, the new analysis shows.
Chemicals in Sunscreen Could Cause Infertility
Chemicals found in some sunscreens, shampoos and moisturizers may lead to infertility in men, a new study says.