WebMD Medical News Louise Chang, MD Nov. 14, 2012 -- Many
couples try month after month to become pregnant, and new
research suggests that for some, the delay may be related to
their exposure to chemicals found in the soil, water, and food
supply. These chemicals, called persistent organochlorine
pollutants, may persist in the environment for decades. Some,
such as persistent lipophilic organochlorine pollutants,
accumulate in fatty tissues in animals, while perfluorochemicals
or PFCs are used in clothing, furniture, adhesives, food
packaging, nonstick cooking surfaces, and electrical wire
insulation. The new study shows that men and women with high
levels of these chemicals in their blood took longer to conceive
than couples with lower levels. The effects seem to be more
pronounced in men. It is too early to say how or even if
exposure to these ubiquitous chemicals affects a couple’s
ability to conceive. There is little we can do to reduce the
levels already in our bloodstream. There are, however, many
thing