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

閱讀難度：

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.

（點擊英國《每日郵報》查看原文）

不粘鍋致更年期提前

?????? 據英國《每日郵報》報道，科學家稱，不粘鍋和食品包裝中的一些“變性”化學物質會導致女性更年期提前。

?????? 研究發現，女性體內含有全氟碳化物水平越高，更年期來得就越早。

?????? 這類物質潛伏在家中很多地方。

?????? 它們會隨著灰塵或潮氣被吸入體內，或者通過食物吃下肚，可引發甲狀腺癌、免疫系統疾病和心臟病。

?????? 研究人員稱，這些物質會破壞人體內的荷爾蒙。

?????? 它們對水和脂肪有排斥作用，因此常用作不粘鍋涂料、防油食品包裝以及衣服和地毯防污噴劑的原料。

(China.org.cn April 6, 2011)