In the human body, we have what is known as the endocrine system, also known as the hormone system. Many chemicals, both natural and man-made, may mimic and/or interfere with the body’s hormones. These chemicals are called endocrine disruptors or EDCs for short.
EDCs have a hand in increasing the production of certain hormones, decreasing the production of others, imitating hormones themselves, turning one hormone into another, binding with hormones, and interfering with hormone signaling. EDCs have been linked to developmental, brain, immune, reproductive, and many other problems.
Endocrine disruptors are found in many everyday products, including food, toys, cosmetics, pesticides, detergents, liners of metal food cans, some plastic bottles, and flame retardants. When absorbed in the body, an endocrine disruptor can decrease or increase normal hormone levels, mimic the body's natural hormones, or alter the natural production of hormones.
Some endocrine disrupting chemicals are slow to break down, which makes them potentially hazardous over time.
What are some common endocrine disruptors?
Bisphenol A (BPA) — used to make polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, which are found in many plastic products including food storage containers
Dioxins — produced as a byproduct in herbicide production and paper bleaching, they are also released into the environment during waste burning and wildfires
Perchlorate —a by-product of aerospace, weapon, and pharmaceutical industries found in drinking water and fireworks
Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) — used widely in industrial applications, such as firefighting foams and non-stick pans, paper, and textile coatings
Phthalates — used to make plastics more flexible, they are also found in some food packaging, cosmetics, children’s toys, and medical devices
Phytoestrogens — naturally occurring substances in plants that have hormone-like activity, such as genistein and daidzein that are in soy products, like tofu or soy milk
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) — used to make flame retardants for household products such as furniture foam and carpets
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) — used to make electrical equipment like transformers, and in hydraulic fluids, heat transfer fluids, lubricants, and plasticizers
Triclosan —may be found in some anti-microbial and personal care products, like liquid body wash
How do we encounter endocrine-disrupting chemicals?
People may be exposed to endocrine disruptors through food and beverages consumed, pesticides applied, and cosmetics used. In essence, your contact with these chemicals may occur through diet, air, skin, and water.
Even at low doses, endocrine-disrupting chemicals may be unsafe. The body’s normal endocrine functioning involves very small changes in hormone levels, yet we know even these small changes can cause significant developmental and biological effects. This observation leads scientists to think that endocrine-disrupting chemical exposures, even at low amounts, can alter the body’s sensitive systems and lead to health problems.
What can I do to avoid EDCs?
Take steps to limit exposure by purchasing products from ethically driven and environmentally conscious brands that have your best interest at heart. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the ubiquity of EDCs. But you do have the power to make safe, smart, healthy choices in your everyday actions.
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