A group of scientists in the US found a staggering 80 per cent of women undergoing fertility treatments at the Massachusetts General Hospital had traces of three flame-retardant chemicals known as PFRs in their system.
PFRs – or organophosphate flame retardants – are used in upholstered furniture and gym mats, as well as some baby products.
The chemical is extremely fine and can spread from the item, like furniture, in the form of dust and enter the system.
Dr Courtney Carignan said: “These findings suggest that exposure to PFRs may be one of many risk factors for lower reproductive success.
“They also add to the body of evidence indicating a need to reduce the use of these flame retardants and identify safer alternatives.”
Although the link between PFRs and infertility in women is tentative, another of the researchers, Harvard Unviversity’s school of public health Professor Russ Hauser, said there is strong enough evidence to make prospective parents reconsider products which have these chemicals.
He said: “Couples undergoing IVF and trying to improve their chances of success by reducing their exposure to environmental chemicals may want to opt for products that are flame-retardant free.”
Professor Richard Anderson, an expert in clinical reproductive science at Edinburgh University, said: “There is growing concern that the chemicals we are all exposed to may have an impact on fertility, but direct evidence of impact in men and women has often been limited.
“This carefully conducted study analysed chemicals from flame retardants in urine from women having IVF, and found that the chemicals were detected in most women.
“Worryingly, higher concentrations of these chemicals were associated with substantial reductions in the success of IVF, with a lower chance of having a baby.”