Endocrine-disrupting compounds are in everyday products, including cosmetics, plastics, and fragrances, and can interfere with the delicate balance of hormones in humans and wildlife. The endocrine system is essential for our early development, behavior, metabolism, and every stage of our existence! It is a network of glands and hormones that help regulate all functions.

Exposure to environmental chemicals and synthetic chemicals also impairs vital biological processes as this causes hormones to behave irregularly, resulting in severe health effects. Chronic exposure to such toxins throughout pregnancy and early infancy can harm development thus resulting in neurological and learning disabilities.

The fact that these disruptive chemicals are in most consumer products is concerning. However, there are strategies to decrease exposure. Join us for an in-depth look at the endocrine system, the substances that can cause damage, and how to protect yourself and your family. Join us as we provide valuable strategies for reducing exposure to harmful, everyday endocrine-disrupting compounds you may not even know! 

Endocrine System

Hormones play a significant role in the body’s endocrine system. This is made up of endocrine glands distributed throughout the body. These glands produce hormones, which are then released into the circulatory system and send signals to the brain. They build a network with the organs to promote healthy growth and development and ensure the proper functioning of our bodies. 

Our bodies need hormones like adrenaline, testosterone, insulin, and estrogen. The endocrine system is critical to its health. It governs various biological functions, such as reproduction, growth, and fertility. Hormones are produced in minute quantities and are vulnerable to endocrine disruptors.

Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals(EDC)

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are synthetic or naturally occurring substances that interfere with hormone functions. They can alter how we respond to particular hormones and hinder normal hormones from executing their functions. These substances mimic hormones and cause our systems to react incorrectly.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals can reduce or increase hormone levels in the blood. They do this by interfering with how hormones are stored, produced, and broken down in the body. They can interact with or alter any natural hormone our body produces.

This produces several health difficulties for the human population:

• Learning disabilities

• Issues with reproductive systems

• Neurological problems

• Fertility problems

• Growth hindrances

• Brain development problems

• Sex organ abnormalities

• Cardiovascular problems

• Endometriosis

• Obesity

• Early puberty

• Diabetes

• Altered nervous system function

• Metabolic issues

• Weakened immune function

• Respiratory issues

• Certain cancers

  

Pesticides, cosmetics, carpets, foods, toys, plastic bottles, and beverage packaging materials are all examples of consumer products that include such compounds. Some flame retardants and industrial and other household chemicals can also be endocrine disruptors.

Contact happens via water, air, skin, and food consumption which means that you cannot entirely protect yourself from endocrine-disrupting chemicals. However, you can limit your exposure to such chemicals. This will lessen your chance of severe health problems in the long run.

Endocrine Disruptors

According to the Endocrine Society, there are around 85,000 human-made chemicals worldwide. More than 1,000 of them are thought to be endocrine-disruptive chemicals.

Here are the compounds that are endocrine disruptors:

Triclosan

This compound is in personal care products and antimicrobial cleaning goods, such as soap and liquid body washes. It may still be present in exported items; therefore, it is essential to check the labels of your products to ensure their safety.

Atrazine

This herbicide is an endocrine disrupter and is widely used worldwide for sugarcane, corn, and sorghum crops, as well as to manage weeds.

Per-and Poly-fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

A large group of compounds that are in a variety of industrial applications. This includes textile coatings, firefighting foam, paper, and nonstick cookware.

Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE)

Unfortunately, these endocrine-disrupting chemicals were outlawed in 1979. However, they may still be in older items. Flame retardants produce plasticizers, hydraulic fluids, lubricants, plastics, textiles, polyurethane foam, and electrical equipment.

Bisphenol(BPA)

These disrupting chemicals produce epoxy resins and polycarbonate polymers. However, the chemical is so toxic that Canada has even become the first country to ban it altogether. Studies have indicated that even low doses of BPA can cause non-communicable diseases and alter hormone-sensitive organs. BPA resins are in manufacturing to package toys, foods, and other products. BPA resins can be in liners of certain canned foods and beverages.

Phthalates

Phthalates are a vast group of endocrine-disrupting chemicals mainly employed in liquid plasticizers or as synthetic chemicals to soften plastic. They are in medical device tubing, food packaging, children’s toys, cosmetics, and fragrances. Consumer phthalate products include cosmetics, shampoos, nail polish, cleansers, hair sprays, and aftershave lotions. Studies have found that phthalate exposure can negatively affect your metabolic health and ultimately increase the risk of diabetes.

Perchlorate

Perchlorate is man-made and composed of one chlorine atom coupled to four oxygen atoms (ClO-4-). It is commonly in rocket fuel, explosives, road flares, and fireworks. Perchlorate salts include magnesium, potassium, ammonium, sodium, and lithium. It is becoming more common in groundwater, surface water, and soil.

Dioxins

Dioxins are a series of chemically related chemicals known as persistent environmental pollutants (POPs). They are highly hazardous and capable of causing cancer, reproductive and developmental problems, immune system damage, and hormone disruption. These substances are prevalent in the environment and pose significant health hazards. Industrial activity, trash incineration, and specialized chemical processes can all cause contamination. Effective prevention and control techniques are critical for minimizing exposure.

Endocrine System

Hormones play a significant role in the body’s endocrine system, which comprises endocrine glands distributed throughout the body. They build a network with the organs to promote healthy growth and development, as these glands produce hormones. Once released, these hormones travel throughout the circulatory system, sending signals to the brain to ensure the proper functioning of our bodies.

Our bodies need hormones like adrenaline, testosterone, insulin, and estrogen. Therefore, the endocrine system must remain healthy to provide these critical hormones. The endocrine system governs various biological functions such as reproduction, growth, and fertility. Hormones are produced in minute quantities and are vulnerable to endocrine disruptors, which may disrupt these critical biological functions necessary for health and vitality.

Endocrine Disrupting Effects

These chemicals, known as endocrine disruptors, can mimic or block hormones, alter hormone levels, or interfere with hormone signaling. Even at modest levels, endocrine disruption has detrimental effects on all endocrine systems, not just our own but external effects, such as wildlife, plants, fish, and humans.

Environmental Health

These disruptive substances influence human and environmental health. Contamination in water, soil, and air harms the health of the environment, humans, and animals.

The National Institute of Environmental Health and Science’s (NIEHS) research has revealed multiple links between endocrine-disrupting substances and how the environment might be damaged, as evidenced by the examples below:

• Preterm Birth: Certain phthalates have an association with a higher risk of preterm birth and shorter gestational age.

• Reproduction: The drug DES can cause epigenetic changes affecting reproductive organs in mice, which might explain its impact on fertility and reproduction.

Human Health

Growth and Development

The endocrine disruption caused by prenatal exposure in the womb and early infancy persists into adolescence and adulthood when developmental difficulties begin to emerge. This raises the chance of additional chronic diseases later in life. Some chemicals pass through the placenta where the fetus absorbs them. While others can be found in breast milk.

The result is:

• Low birth weights

• Altered development

• Disrupted sexual development

• Weakened immune systems

• Hindered mammary gland development

• Increased risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer in adulthood

The National Institute of Environmental Health and Sciences researched many endocrine-disrupting substances and discovered many adverse effects after exposure, such as:

• ADHD: Exposure to certain phthalates and the drug DES may have a link to ADHD symptoms in children and their future generations.

• Immunity: High levels of PFAS exposure in children can reduce their immune response to vaccines.

• Metabolism: Long-term arsenic exposure can disrupt metabolism and increase the risk of diabetes and other metabolic disorders..

Puberty: Chemicals in lavender and tea tree oil may act as endocrine disruptors, potentially leading to premature or abnormal breast development.

Psychological Stress Reactions

Endocrine disruptors alter behavioral and neurological processes. These hurt our brains, leaving us unprepared to deal with stressors. This could lead to mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.

Metabolism

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can interfere with important hormone receptors and metabolic processes. A series paper, Endocrine-disrupting chemicals: implications for human health, revealed that studies have shown that exposure to these chemicals before birth and adulthood may increase the risk of various health issues. Specifically:

Prenatal Exposure: Chemicals like BPA, PFAS, and phthalates have a link to childhood obesity and higher body fat in children.

Adult Exposure: Adult Exposure: PFAS and phthalates have an association with gestational diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, obesity, and potentially type 2 diabetes.

Reproductive system

Endocrine disruptors have a substantial impact on the reproductive system because they interfere with hormone control by blocking them or mimicking them. Here’s an overview of their effects:

• Hormonal Imbalance: These substances can disrupt the normal function of hormones like estrogen and testosterone, resulting in reproductive difficulties.

• Reduced Fertility: Endocrine disruptors can lower fertility rates in both men and women by altering hormone levels and reproductive organ function. According to a 2018 paper in Translational Andrology and Urology, human clinical observations indicate that endocrine-disrupting chemicals have adverse effects on male infertility and semen quality.

• Developmental Issues: Endocrine disruptors can cause premature sexual development in children and adolescents, as well as aberrant development of reproductive organs.

• Pregnancy Complications: They can raise the chance of pregnancy-related difficulties such as preterm birth and developmental disorders in offspring.

• Epigenetic Changes: Certain disruptors, such as DES (diethylstilbestrol), can produce long-term genetic changes that impact reproductive health across generations.

Cancer

Endocrine disruptors, which mimic androgen and estrogen in the body, can cause an increased risk of developing prostate and breast cancer.

Breast cancer (BC) is a complex disease that is affected by both genetic and environmental factors. The mammary gland develops throughout a woman’s life, making it particularly vulnerable to cancer. However, some risk factors, such as exposure to toxic chemicals, can be avoided.

A review, Exposure to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and Risk of Breast Cancer, looks at four endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that have been related to an increased risk of BC. Although these chemicals are now banned or controlled in some countries, they remain essential to understanding other EDCs. 

Key difficulties with EDCs are:

• Regulation Challenges: Because EDCs frequently have non-linear dose-response effects, traditional toxicological procedures for establishing safety limits may not be applicable.

• Long-term Effects: Early exposure to EDCs can delay puberty and have an impact on breast development, thereby raising the risk of breast cancer later in life.

• Environmental Presence: EDCs are expected, with around 87,000 such compounds being met daily, increasing health risks such as cancer.

To address the issues posed by these chemicals, the Endocrine Society has urged for increased worldwide research, improved EDC education, and regulatory adjustments.

Organizations For Endocrine Safety

A few organizations study the effects of these compounds on the environment and human health. They contain a wealth of resources and information on various compounds, how to avoid them, and how to manage exposure to them.

Endocrine Society

The Endocrine Society commits to promoting health and well-being. It has been operating for more than a century. Founded in 1916 by a group of physicians interested in developing endocrinology.

It published its first publication in 1917. Since then, it has expanded to cover various endocrine systems, endocrine impacts, and suspected endocrine disruptors.

Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) investigates potential endocrine disruptors and their impact on the endocrine system. Once investigated, the EPA releases information and takes steps to reduce public danger. This entails putting together various legislation and regulations, which are sent to Congress for approval.

National Toxicology Program(NTP)

The NTP investigates a variety of endocrine disruptors, including flame retardant compounds, pesticides, BPA replacement chemicals, and perfluorinated substances. They examine recognized endocrine disruptors to determine how their toxicity impacts the human body by studying the reactions in the liver, body tissue, male reproductive tract, breast, fat cells, and uterine.

Common Endocrine Disruptors

Plastics

Plastics include a variety of hormone-disrupting compounds. This all depends on the type of plastic used. Here are everyday hormone disruptors in plastics:

• Bisphenol A (BPA): Is in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. BPA mimics estrogen, altering hormonal balance and increasing the risk of cancer.

• Phthalates: Phthalates, used to make plastics flexible, interact with hormone systems, particularly those related to reproductive health. They are in vinyl flooring, toys, and personal care goods.

• Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs): PBDEs, used as flame retardants in plastics, can interfere with thyroid hormone function and impact development and behavior.

Styrene: It is in polystyrene plastics, can mimic estrogen, and may impact reproductive health and development.

Older Buildings and Merchandise

Older buildings and antique products, such as antique toys, may contain lead paint.

Lead is a potent neurotoxin with well-documented effects on the neurological system, but its impact on the endocrine system is equally important and alarming. Here’s how lead can function as an endocrine disruptor:

• Hormonal Imbalance: Lead damages the endocrine glands (thyroid, adrenal, and reproductive), resulting in hormonal abnormalities that influence overall health.

• Thyroid Function: Lead inhibits thyroid hormone production, potentially leading to hypothyroidism, which affects metabolism and energy.

• Reproductive Health: Lead harms fertility because it disrupts menstrual cycles in women and lowers sperm quality.

• Adrenal Gland Function: Lead inhibits cortisol synthesis, impairing stress response and metabolism, possibly leading to adrenal insufficiency.

• Neuroendocrine Effects: Lead affects the HPA axis, affecting mood, behavior, and stress regulation.

Developmental Effects: Lead exposure in children can induce development delays and cognitive deficits owing to hormonal disturbance.

Household and Personal Care Products

• Parabens: These are commonly in shampoos, lotions, and cosmetics, and they can mimic estrogen, disrupting hormonal balance.

• Triclosan: This chemical can is in various antibacterial soaps and toothpaste and can impact thyroid hormone balance.

• Phthalates: Commonly in air fresheners and cleaning sprays, these compounds have a link to reproductive health issues.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): SLS, found in many cleaning products and shampoos, can irritate skin and disturb hormonal processes.

Canned Items

Many cans contain BPA to prevent corrosion, which can seep into food and disturb hormonal processes. An article published in the Standford Medical Magazine, In The Can, found that BPA is used in the resins that line the insides of food cans and jar lids. In a study of 6,372 people, researchers discovered that the more canned food they ate, the higher their urinary BPA levels. Canned soup was the most harmful, followed by canned pasta, veggies, and fruits.

Industrial Pesticides and Chemicals

Glyphosate, DDT, chlorpyrifos, and atrazine are only a few of the numerous pesticides used in commercial farming. Each produces a residue that can be consumed, creating health problems.

These get into the groundwater and soil. Eventually, these environmental contaminants are absorbed by the produce that humans ultimately ingest.

Processed Food

Processed foods may contain various endocrine-disrupting elements, such as artificial additives, packaging chemicals, synthetic hormones, and industrial pollutants. These chemicals can disrupt hormonal balance and harm overall health.

Artificial Additives

• Colorants: Some artificial food colorings, such as Red 40 and Yellow 5, have been linked to hormone disruption.

• Preservatives: Some preservatives, such as BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), can mimic hormones and affect endocrine function.

Packaging Chemicals

Phthalates: Found in food packaging and processing products, these compounds can travel into food and disrupt hormonal systems.

Synthetic Hormones

Hormone Residues: Processed foods, particularly meat and dairy products, may contain synthetic hormone residues from animal rearing. Avoiding meat and dairy can lower your exposure risk.

High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)

Endocrine Effects: High fructose corn syrup, often found in processed foods and sugary beverages, may affect insulin sensitivity and hormone balance.

Trans Fats

Artificial trans fats are used to extend shelf life and improve texture in processed foods. However, they can also affect metabolic and endocrine health.

Emulsifiers and Stabilizers

Compounds such as carrageenan and polysorbates can disturb gut health and, indirectly, hormone balance by influencing gut flora and inflammation levels.

Building Materials, Lubricants and Electronic Components

Electronic components, building materials, lubricants, and many byproducts are manufactured using and creating a variety of chemicals. These include dioxins, brominated flame retardants, and polychlorinated biphenyls, all of which have the potential to affect overall health.

Risk Prevention Tips

By following these guidelines, you can drastically minimize your exposure to endocrine-disruptive substances while protecting your hormonal health.

Minimize Plastic Use

Choose “BPA-free” products and use glass, stainless steel, or other non-plastic containers for food and beverages. Avoid plastics with recycling codes 3 or 6. Choose phthalate-free items and avoid flexible plastics wherever possible.

Water

To avoid contaminants in your water, use a correctly installed NSF-certified water filter to ensure clean and safe home water. Regularly wash your hands, particularly before meals, with unscented soap free from synthetic, potentially harmful antimicrobial agents. If you have a well with a submersible pump, it’s essential to have it inspected and replaced if you notice any fuel odors or oily films in the water.

Food Safety

To maintain a healthy diet and minimize exposure to harmful chemicals, ensure your meals are nutritious and varied. Always wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel before eating or preparing them. This will remove any excess chemical residuals. Opt for fresh ingredients and prepare meals at home to fully control what’s in your food, avoiding processed or canned items. Choose produce with minimal packaging and, when possible, buy organic foods. If your budget is limited, select commercially grown options with low pesticide residues. Use ceramic-coated, cast iron, or stainless steel cookware instead of nonstick varieties, and avoid plastic containers labeled #7, #3, or #6. Store pantry items in stainless steel, glass, or porcelain containers, especially for hot foods and beverages, to ensure safety and quality.

Household

To protect yourself from endocrine-disrupting chemicals, opt for cleaning and personal care products made with natural ingredients free from phthalates and parabens. Ensure good ventilation when using chemical products to minimize inhalation of harmful substances. Regularly clean and dust your home to reduce exposure to dust that may contain endocrine disruptors from furniture and building materials. Additionally, consider using air purifiers to help remove airborne chemicals and enhance indoor air quality.

Monitor and Maintain Your Health 

Monitoring and managing your health is crucial for reducing exposure to endocrine disruptors and their potential impacts. Regular health check-ups allow you to stay on top of any health issues arising from endocrine disruptors, enabling timely intervention and management. Staying informed about the latest research and guidelines regarding these chemicals helps you make well-informed decisions about your exposure and lifestyle choices. By being proactive in monitoring your health and keeping up with current knowledge, you can better protect yourself from the harmful effects of endocrine disruptors and maintain overall well-being.

Education

Educating yourself and others about endocrine disruptors reduces exposure and protects health. By understanding product labels, you can identify harmful chemicals and choose safer alternatives, minimizing your risk of exposure. Additionally, advocating for policies that aim to reduce the use of these toxic substances and promote safer practices can lead to broader changes that benefit public health. This proactive approach helps you make informed choices. It supports efforts to create a healthier environment for everyone, ultimately reducing the prevalence of endocrine disruptors and their adverse effects on health.

Key Takeaways

To conclude, knowing about endocrine-disrupting substances and their silent risks is critical for maintaining our health and well-being. These chemicals, commonly found in everyday products, have the potential to quietly but drastically disrupt our hormonal systems, resulting in a variety of health concerns, from metabolic diseases to reproductive troubles. 

We may reduce their influence by learning about their origins, such as plastics, processed foods, and household chemicals, and making educated decisions, such as choosing natural products, limiting our exposure to packaging chemicals, and adopting safer methods. Regular health check-ups and being current on new findings enable us to proactively manage and lower our exposure. Adopting these activities helps safeguard individual health and adds to a more significant movement.

Our research has indicated that many commercial products include endocrine-disrupting chemicals that could potentially risk human health. Chronic exposure may result in reproductive problems, numerous cancer types, or breast development issues. 

The consequences are worse if you are susceptible to environmental risks and specific ailments. Therefore, learning which endocrine disruptors are present in products can help you make better purchasing and consumption decisions.

Lowering your risk may be a significant endeavor, but it is doable. Take one step at a time. You will not regret it!