Common chemicals linked to osteoarthritis in women

Two common chemicals have been linked to osteoarthritis by scientists from the US. The chemicals in question are perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), which are used in more than 200 industrial processes and consumer products including some personal-care products, stain- and water-resistant fabrics and grease-proof paper food containers.

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2003-2008) was examined and factors such as age, income and ethnicity were accounted for.

Women who had the highest 25% of exposure to PFCs were about twice as likely to have osteoarthritis compared to those in the lowest 25% of exposure. The same results were not found for men.Published in Environmental Health Perspectives, the study is the first to look at the associations between PFCs and osteoarthritis in a large US study population.

“We found that (PFC) exposures are associated with higher prevalence of osteoarthritis, particularly in women, a group that is disproportionately impacted by this chronic disease,” says Sarah Uhl, who authored the study.

Production and usage of PFCs is declining because of safety concerns but human and environmental exposure to these chemicals does remain widespread.

More research will focus on the biological mechanisms behind the association and why there are differences between men and women. The main aim should be to reduce exposure and understand the impact on health.