Common chemical could be causing arthritis in women

  

February 14, 2013 (WLS) -- A commonly found chemical could be increasing arthritis in women.

These common chemical compounds are called PFCs and they can be found in products from cookware to carpeting.

An analysis in Environmental Health suggests that the greater a woman's exposure to PFCs, the greater the risk for developing osteoarthritis.

The risk wasn't found to be the same among men.

Exposure to PFCs is nearly universal and besides cookware among other things, it's used to enable the grease-proofing of food packaging, waterproofing of rain gear and textile stain protection.

It's hard to avoid contact with these chemicals but the best thing to do is lead a healthy lifestyle, exercise and eat well, according to experts.

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