Does Exposure to Chemicals Affect Fertility?by Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger 26 May 2008 12:21 PM I read this article in which upcoming research into the affect of exposure to chemicals in the environment is discussed. It immediately resonated with me. We are exposed to literally thousands of chemicals, many of which bioaccumulate in the body over time. This article resonated with me because I have long suspected this to be the case. The number of people in my circle of friends who have experienced infertility is alarming. This appears to be a much larger problem than it was for my mother or grandmother's generation. I've looked for research on this subject in the past, but have found none. Now, researchers at the University of Nottingham are looking at the connection. The study has identified a list of chemicals that will be looked at in the study. Some of these chemicals mimic hormones in the body, which is thought to affect fertility. Bioaccumulation is one factor researchers will be studying. This involves chemicals that stay in the body, accumulating over time and with more exposure to the toxins. Bioaccumulation is a problem, not only for fertility, but for mothers passing toxic chemicals onto their infants in breastmilk. These toxins build up over years, later affecting women when they want to start families. The chemicals included in the study come from a variety of sources including industrial waste, pesticides and plastics. Some of the chemicals used in plastics have come under fire in recent years and a few have been removed from baby bottles and children's toys. Now researchers will look at the exposure of these chemicals prior to birth or even prior to conception. The study, initially using sheep as subjects, began last week and will continue for the next three years. Part of the study will look at the effect of these chemicals in female fetuses, with possible implications for this generation's babies when they try to reproduce in 20 or 30 years. Related Articles: Cleaning Precautions During Pregnancy Creating a Greener Home for Your Baby The Effect of Pesticides in Pregnancy Learn more about Pattie Hughes  Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University. Relevantpregnancy tags User Comments  Michele Cheplic (37236) 26 May 2008 05:00 PMI believe it! Very interesting, though I am not the least bit surprised. I can't imagine what our insides look like just being exposed to low levels of plastics, pesticides, etc. Discuss this article
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