This article was previously published on May 1, 2019 and has been updated with new information.
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are structurally similar to natural hormones such as the female sex hormones estrogen, androgens, and thyroid hormones, allowing them to interfere with growth,first reproduction, nerve activity, metabolism, satiety and your immune system function, etc.2
For example, they can block certain hormone signals, change hormone levels, or change the way natural hormones move through the body. As noted in a World Health Organization report published in 2012,3,4 EDC’s effects on your hormonal system “could lead to obesity, infertility or reduced fertility, learning and memory difficulties, type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease, as well as many other diseases”.
Furthermore, because the hormone acts in parts per million and parts per billion, the Endocrine Society warns there may not be a safe exposure for many EDCs,5 and that the major health effects are so great that everyone needs to take proactive steps to avoid them – especially those trying to get pregnant, pregnant women and young children.6
Strong evidence supports warnings to avoid EDCs
Comments on the publication of its first scientific report7,8 on EDCs in 2009, the Endocrine Society noted that:9
“The evidence for adverse reproductive outcomes (infertility, cancer, malformations) from exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals is strong, and there is ample evidence for effects on endocrine systems. other secretions, including thyroid, neuroendocrine, obesity and metabolism, insulin and glucose homeostasis. ..
The effects of endocrine-disrupting chemoreceptors can be transmitted to subsequent generations through germline epigenetic modifications or from continued progeny exposure to environmental insults.”
At the end of 2015, the Endocrine Society released a second scientific statementten on EDCs, noting that over the years, “a significantly larger body of literature has strengthened our understanding of the rationale underlying mechanisms of EDC actions and exposure in animals and Humans – especially during development – can lay the groundwork for illness later in life. “
In 2019, the Endocrine Society established a task force to specifically look at EDCs,11 and produce videos, pertinent information and instructions about the dangers of EDC. In the video below, you can learn how these chemicals interfere with the endocrine system and hormone biology and how endocrine principles can be applied to toxic chemical exposure. EDC also has videos and other updates on its website, so I invite you to watch and learn more.
In short, the evidence is growing stronger, showing that exposure to EDC in the environment can cause significant health effects for both children and adults, and that these effects can be transmitted. to future generations. The 2015 report also indicates that causal links between exposure and disease manifestations have been demonstrated, as well as effects at low doses. The strongest evidence, the report found, was for the link between exposure to EDC and:
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Fat |
Diabetes |
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Female reproduction |
Male reproduction |
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Hormone-sensitive cancers in women |
Prostate problems in men |
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Thyroid problems |
Neurodevelopment and the influence of the neuroendocrine system |
Another reporttwelfth published in 2015 estimated the financial burden of EDC exposure in the European Union, causing an average cost of €157 billion or $209 billion annually in healthcare costs related to IQ loss , intellectual disability, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obesity, diabetes, cryptogenic disorders, infertility, and mortality are associated with decreased testosterone levels.
12 worst hormone disrupting chemicals
Although the list of known EDCs is extensive, and the list of EDCs could be much more, dozens of the worst and most widely used EDCs, identified by the Environmental Working Group in 2013, consists of:13
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Bisphenol-A (BPA) |
Dioxins |
Atrazine |
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Phthalates |
Perchlorate |
Flame retardant (diethyl polybromine ether or PBDE) |
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Command |
Mercury |
Arsenic |
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Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) |
Organophosphate pesticides |
Ether glycol |
10 Common Routes of EDC Exposure and How to Avoid Them
According to the Hormone Health Network, a division of the Endocrine Society, there are an estimated 1,000 man-made chemicals on the market that have endocrine-disrupting properties.14 Here are 10 common pathways of exposure and some common sense tips to avoid them:
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Personal care products – Shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers, cosmetics, and other personal care products often contain EDCs, including (but certainly not limited to) phthalates, which have been linked to testicular cancer, genital disfigurement, and genital warts. genitalia, low sperm count, and infertility in some species, including polar bears, deer, whales, and otters, just to name a few. Another EDC found in this category is triclosan, which is found in many products with antibacterial properties. Avoid by – Switch to certified organic and/or homemade personal care products. You can also try to cut down on the number of personal care products you use every day. Avoid antibacterial soaps, cleaning wipes and gels. All you need to wax your hands is warm water and mild soap, using proper hand washing techniques. |
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Drink water – Your drinking water may be contaminated with atrazine, glyphosate, arsenic, perchlorate and/or flame retardant chemicals,15 All of which can mess with your endocrine system. Avoid by – Filter your water, both in your faucet and in your shower/tub, using a high-quality water filtration system. |
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Canned goods and non-stick food packaging – These are common sources of BPA and EDCs similar to BPS, or other toxic substitutes such as PVC.16 According to a 2017 survey by the Center for Environmental Health, 38% of canned foods still contain BPA.17 Avoid by – Buy products in glass bottles and jars rather than plastic or cans. |
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Conventionally grown products and CAFO meat, poultry and dairy products – Pesticides, herbicides, and industrial wastewater can coat your commonly grown fruits and vegetables in EDCs. Animals raised in concentrated breeding operations (CAFOs) also often contain antibiotics, hormones, and other industrial chemicals that can mess with your endocrine system. Avoid by – Buy and eat organic produce and grass-fed animal products to minimize your exposure to endocrine disrupting pesticides, herbicides, and veterinary drugs. Also, wash all produce before eating, even if it’s organic. Organic food has a 30% lower risk of pesticide contamination,18 but it is not possible to completely guarantee that organic produce is free of pesticides, as it is sometimes located in fields adjacent to farms that use pesticides.19 Research shows that pesticide residues on apples are most effectively removed using a 1% solution of water and baking soda. Researchers recommend using 1 teaspoon of baking soda for every 2 cups of water and gently scrubbing your produce to remove surface pesticides.20 |
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High-mercury fish – Fish contaminated with high levels of mercury and other heavy metals is problematic because these metals also disrupt your hormonal balance. Shark, swordfish, mackerel, carp, bass and tuna are the worst offenders. Both the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Food and Drug Administration21 has put canned tuna on the list of “choices to avoid” for pregnant women and young children due to its high mercury content. Farmed fish (“CAFOS of the sea”) also tend to be higher in contaminants and are better avoided. Farmed salmon is one of the worst fish in this regard, which is why I recommend avoiding all farmed salmon. Avoid by – Carefully select seafood that is known to be low in mercury and other contaminants. Some of your safest and healthiest options include smaller fish like sardines, anchovies, mackerel, and herring. Wild-caught Alaskan salmon is another good choice. For more information on mercury in fish, see the website of the Mercury, Mercury and Fish Policy Project: The Truth.22 They have a helpful guide that you can print out for reference.23 A 2015 article in Investigate West also addresses this issue and includes guidance on how many meals a week you can safely eat based on the contamination level of any seafood. |
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Kitchen utensils – Plastic containers and bottles can contain BPA or other endocrine-disrupting plastic chemicals that can leach into your food, especially if the plastic is heated. The poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) used to create non-stick, stain-resistant and water-repellent surfaces are also toxic and highly durable, both in your body and in the environment. When heated, nonstick cookware releases perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which has been linked to thyroid disease, infertility, and developmental and reproductive problems. Avoid by – Use glass containers and enameled ceramic and cast iron cookware, both of which are durable, easy to clean (even the toughest cooked foods can be wiped off after soaking in warm water) and perfectly finished. Completely inert, which means they won’t release any harmful chemicals into your home. If you use plastic containers, do not reheat food in the microwave. |
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Cleaning products – Commercial solutions used to clean floors, toilets, ovens, windows, and more often contain industrial chemicals that can strip your hormones. Many EDCs are also hidden in perfumery and this also applies to personal care products. Avoid by – Create your own cleaning products using different combinations of vinegar, baking soda, essential oils, and even coconut oil. Avoid scented products, including air fresheners, scented garbage bags, etc. |
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Household dust – Flame retardant chemicals often hide in household dust24 as they leave treated furniture such as couches, mattresses and carpet cushions. Avoid by – Buy non-toxic “green” furniture, mattresses and building materials whenever possible and use a HEPA filter for your vacuum. When mopping and dusting, use a wet mop or rag to avoid dusting. |
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Office products – Toner cartridges, toners, and other solvents common in office environments are another common source of EDC. Avoid by – Handle such products with care and minimize your exposure as much as possible. |
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Billing Receipt – Thermal paper usually contains BPA,25 and research26 shows that processing this paper is enough to increase your body’s BPA levels. Holding the sheet of paper for just five seconds is enough to transfer BPA to one’s skin, and the amount of BPA transferred increases by about 10 times if fingers are wet or greasy (such as when you have just applied lotion or eaten a large meal). grease) . Finally, because receipts are often stored next to banknotes in people’s wallets, banknotes can also be contaminated with BPA. In a study27 Published in the Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, the researchers analyzed banknotes from 21 countries for the presence of BPA, and the chemical was detected in every sample. Avoid by – Use paperless receipts via email or text message. Avoid carrying receipts in your purse or bag, as it looks like the chemical could transfer to other surfaces. You should also wash your hands after handling receipts and currency, and avoid handling them, especially if you’ve just applied lotion or have any other oily substances on your hands, as this can increase the likelihood of your contact. If you are a cashier or bank teller who frequently handles such paperwork, you may want to wear gloves, especially if you are pregnant or of childbearing age. |
