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What are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)? -

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are chemicals that are not produced by the body yet impact it in big ways.

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What are hormones? -

Some of these endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) imitate the hormones naturally produced by your body. Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate various bodily functions by traveling through your bloodstream to reach organs, skin, muscles, and other tissues. These signals tell your body what actions to take and when to take them.

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Examples of EDCs -

Phthalates, or synthetic chemicals that manufacturers use in hundreds of products such as food and beverage containers and plastic wrap, can interfere with the production of testosterone.

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More examples -

Brominated flame retardants that are used in electronics, clothing, and furniture have been known to cause abnormal thyroid functioning, which plays a key role in the development of children.

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Chronic exposure -

Scientists say that chronic exposure to any substance that blocks or alters hormone activity can result in serious consequences. Things that impact your hormones will likely lead to other health issues.

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How can EDCs impact your health? -

Scientific research suggests that these EDCs could play a role in causing conditions such as attention deficit disorder and other impulse control disorders.

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Early development -

If your child is exposed to EDCs early in their life, it could completely change their development. Hormones play a pivotal role in the brain's development so it's important to be aware of them.

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Early puberty in girls -

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals may be linked to girls experiencing early puberty.

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Other concerns -

Problems like obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and breast cancer may also be linked to EDCs.

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Challenges in investigative research -

The hard part of investigative research involving EDCs is that most of the evidence ends up coming from the use of cell models, where tissues or cells in a dish are exposed to high concentrations of chemicals.

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Biologically realistic levels -

Often in these experiments, EDCs are exposed to the cells in a higher-than-normal concentration. To understand the effects at a more "biologically realistic" level, researchers would need to look at urine samples.

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Current scientific literature -

Current studies and scientific literature are quite controversial. Some studies say that EDC exposure increases the risk of developing health conditions, while others disagree.

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How are you exposed? -

It's not easy to totally cut out exposure to EDCs as they're in almost everything we use.

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Examples of skin care and personal care -

Both the plastic packaging and the skin care product itself can expose you to EDCs.

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Pesticides -

Pesticides that are commonly used in agriculture can be found in our food. The groundwater used to grow the produce may also have been contaminated. 

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Dust -

According to the National Pest Management Association and the Personal Care Products Council, a lot of EDCs are found in dust at your home. This can be worrisome for families with toddlers and kids who play on the floor.

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People of color -

People of color are often exposed to greater levels of EDCs. It's speculated that products marketed towards them, including some hair products, contain higher concentrations.

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Reducing exposure -

Looking at labels isn't always a sure way to tell what products have EDCs. Many products have proprietary ingredients and aren't clearly labeled.

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Labeling requirements -

Currently, there aren't any straightforward labeling requirements, although the industry may evolve and change with time. Scientific researchers are seemingly always trying to play catch up with new products used in the industry.

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Government agencies -

There are government agencies that are trying to help protect consumers, though more research is needed.

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EPA -

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for example, has taken action to regulate EDCs in the environment and provide additional scrutiny of chemicals.

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Manageable changes -

It is possible to make manageable changes that align with your budget, priorities, and lifestyle. Try to gradually replace personal care products one at a time and drink only filtered water.

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Resources -

There are several websites, including the Endocrine Society and World Health Organization, where you can find more detailed information about endocrine-disrupting chemicals and their impact on your health.

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FAQ: How do EDCs enter the body? -

EDCs can enter the body in various ways including through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption.

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FAQ: Are natural EDCs also harmful? -

Yes, some naturally occurring substances, such as phytoestrogens which are found in soy and other plants, can act as EDCs. These natural EDCs can mimic estrogen, but their effects are generally weaker than those of synthetic chemicals.

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FAQ: How are EDCs tested for safety? -

Testing EDCs is a complex task. Toxicology studies may not always reveal all of an EDC's effects, and they can have impacts at very low doses.

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FAQ: What is the role of government agencies in regulating EDCs? -

In the US, there is the EPA, and in Europe, the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) plays a key role in evaluating and regulating chemicals. Though these groups are in place, enforcing regulations can be slow due to scientific uncertainties.

Sources: (CNN Health) (Clevland Clinic)

See also: This chemical compound can be the cause of early puberty

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