Risk: The PFCs, or perfluorocarbons, that cause hormonal changes are found in household items such as non-stick saucepans and stain-resistant sprays.

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Scientists say that gender-bending chemicals found in non-stick pans and food packaging are linked to early menopause, the Daily Mail reports.

A major study has shown that women with the highest levels of perfluorocarbons in their bodies go through "the change" sooner than women with low levels.

PFCs are found throughout the home.

They are inhaled via dust or vapor or eaten in food, and have been linked to thyroid cancer, immune system problems and heart disease.

Many researchers believe they also act as hormone disrupters in the body.

They repel water and fat and so have been used to make non-stick cookware, greaseproof food packaging and stain-resistant sprays for clothes and carpets.

（点击英国《每日邮报》查看原文）

不粘锅致更年期提前

       据英国《每日邮报》报道，科学家称，不粘锅和食品包装中的一些“变性”化学物质会导致女性更年期提前。

       研究发现，女性体内含有全氟碳化物水平越高，更年期来得就越早。

       这类物质潜伏在家中很多地方。

       它们会随着灰尘或潮气被吸入体内，或者通过食物吃下肚，可引发甲状腺癌、免疫系统疾病和心脏病。

       研究人员称，这些物质会破坏人体内的荷尔蒙。

       它们对水和脂肪有排斥作用，因此常用作不粘锅涂料、防油食品包装以及衣服和地毯防污喷剂的原料。

(China.org.cn April 6, 2011)