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Exposure to two common perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) may increase the risk of osteoarthritis, according to a new study.

Perfluorinated chemicals are used in hundreds of industrial processes and consumer products like some stain- and water-resistant fabrics, grease-proof paper food containers, personal care products, as well as other items.

Researchers said that the latest study is the first to examine the link between perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), and osteoarthritis using a sample that is representative of the population in the United States.

"We found that PFOA and PFOS exposures are associated with higher prevalence of osteoarthritis, particularly in women, a group that is disproportionately impacted by this chronic disease," said co-author Sarah Uhl.

Researchers from Yale and Harvard analyzed data from six years of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2003-2008). They found a significantly association between osteoarthritis risk and perfluorinated chemicals in women but not men.

The findings, published in the Environmental Health Perspectives, revealed that women in the highest 25 percent of exposure to PFOA had double the risk of having osteoarthritis compared to those in the lowest 25 percent of exposure.

Researchers noted that the production and usage of PFOA and PFOS have declined due to safety concerns, human and environmental exposure.  However, these chemicals remain widespread, and because of their persistence, they have become ubiquitous contaminants of humans and wildlife.

Researchers say that more studies are needed to establish temporality and shed light on possible biological mechanisms.  Researchers said that the reasons for the different effects of these chemicals on men and women still requires further research.