American researchers have established a link between the high blood levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and the fertility of women. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers are a group of substances that until recently were widely used in the production of various household items, furniture, according to the Internet edition for girls and women from 14 to 35 years old Pannochka. Net Scientists at the University of California suggest that a group of widespread firefighting substances - polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDE - may cause a decline in fertility. These substances for decades have been widely used in the production of furniture, textiles, electronics, carpets, plastic products. Although to date their use in the United States is terminated, these substances are in large quantities contained in items manufactured before 2004.

Previously, scientists managed to establish that the influence of PBDE could lead to acute poisoning in people, which manifested itself in the form of insomnia, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and diarrhea, uncaused depression, and puffiness in the fingers, legs and wrist joints. In addition, there were reports of memory loss, muscle weakness and headaches. In children, attention was drawn to the extreme susceptibility to catarrhal diseases.

In the course of the new study, specialists analyzed blood samples of 223 pregnant women for the presence of PBDEs. Mostly these were Mexican emigrants living in an agricultural community.

All these participants were interviewed on the topic of how long they tried to become pregnant, and then the scientists compared the responses received with the concentration of PBDE in the blood. It turned out that a tenfold increase in the concentration of PBDE reduces the probability of pregnancy by 30%. According to experts, the results are very sad and make us think about the chemical composition of the things around us. The results of the study were published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.

Medicinform. Net.