We’ve known for years that the chemicals called perfluorocarbons (PFCs) can cause thyroid disorders, infertility, pregnancy disorders, low birth weight and at high levels, liver damage and birth defects. They are suspected to play a role in the ever-increasing rate of reproductive abnormalities occurring across the food chain, from frogs to humans. The European Union is phasing out these types of chemicals, but as usual, the U.S. lags behind."
"Now a study published by the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism suggests that PFCs can also contribute to early menopause. This was a large study with more than 26,000 women between the ages of 42 and 64, and it found that, “… the higher the perfluorocarbons, the earlier the menopause.” Women who have early menopause have a higher risk of heart disease and bone loss."
Under HEALTH: "It is known how this may affect health in the long term. Exposure to very high concentrations following an accidental release or in occupational settings could damage the brain or heart."
Under ENVIRONMENT: "On a global scale however, they are greenhouse gases contributing to global warming. They have extremely high "global warming potentials" (5000-10000 times that of carbon dioxide), but do not contribute particularly significantly to global warming because of the small amounts released. PFCs can persist in the atmosphere for up to thousands of years."
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