Chemicals that leach out of non-stick materials such as Teflon and Scotchguard have been found in much higher levels in the bodies of women who have trouble conceiving. These same chemicals are found in many hair and personal care products. These chemicals are found in the tissues of mothers and their ofspring. New research suggests that they do serious harm including increased infertility.
Perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are ubiquitous man-made compounds 
that are possible hormonal disruptors. Hormone disruptors are chemicals which are similar to natural hormones but different enough that they confuse the body. Dioxins and PBB's are some of the commonly known hormone disruptors. Many people have suspected that non-stick products create health problems but this is some of the first hard evidence. Scotchguard is applied to many clothes, upholstery and carpets and is everywhere in the environment.
Researchers at UCLA Medical School just published their findings showing a direct, linear relationship between blood levels of of these chemicals and the inability to conceive. "PFOA and PFOS exposure at plasma levels seen in the general population may reduce fecundity; such exposure levels are common in developed countries." The findings were published in Human Reproduction, January 28, 2009 and also reported in Science News.
These same researchers also found that these chemicals are linked to developmental delays in toddlers and infants. These findings are particularly alarming because these chemicals are deliberately made so that they do not break down through normal biological processes.
What can you do?
- Don't apply Scotchguard and don't buy items labelled as being treated with Scotchguard, Teflon or other flurocarbon anti-stain or waterproofing treatments. Avoid teflon based household lubricants.
- Get rid of all your non-stick pans. Use cast iron, ceramic that is not cracked, glass or stainless steel. Some particularly sensitive people can't handle stainless steel.
- Read labels. If you can't pronounce it it's probably not good for you. High sheen hair products often contain these chemicals as do some personal lubricants.
- Detoxify. See me for the right detoxification program for you. The question in detoxification programs is whether they actually move toxins out of the body or merely move them around. And I have seen patients made worse by poorly designed programs or programs that are too aggressive for their condition.
- Support organizations and movements working to change business as usual in governmental regulations. Email your Senators and Representatives. We should be outraged.
Several doctors I have studied with repeatedly said that when faced with patients who are not responding to care, detoxify. Lab tests for these and similar substances are expensive and not available through the medical laboratories used by most MD's. Not only that but there are now so many chemical contaminants that it is usually not practical to test for every one. Many studies have shown that all of use are exposed. The only practical action is to limit your exposure and pursue a regular and repeated program of detoxification.
These and related environmental toxins not only cause infertility and developmental delays but also interfere with your hormones and neurotransmitters causing everything from increased diabetes, menstrual disorders to depression and ADD.
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for more information on what you can do to protect yourself and your family.
Dr. Manlove
Related Articles from this site:
Scientific Biodetoxification
Why You Need Alternative Healthcare
The Precautionary Principle
Diabetes increased by Organochlorines
Links to other sites:
Maternal levels of perfluorinated chemicals and subfecundity
Prenatal Exposure to Perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and Maternally Reported Developmental Milestones in Infancy
Packaging Peril: Chemicals in food wrapping turn toxic
© George Manlove. DC 2009
Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Dr. Manlove, unless otherwise noted. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Manlove. Dr. Manlove encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products discussed in these articles are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using any product.
