Endocrine disruptors, their effects, and how to avoid them

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The endocrine system includes the thyroid, pituitary, and adrenal glands. The system is responsible for hormone production in the body and regulates various essential functions. These include:

• growth and development
• the production, storage, and use of energy
• reproduction
• behavior
• reaction to stimuli

EDCs are chemicals that can disrupt the endocrine system. They can be natural or synthetic substances and are present in various products.

Some EDCs are toxic and may be harmful to humans and animals.

Scientists also use some EDCs in beneficial ways. Medications that contain endocrine disruptors include:

• corticosteroids
• medications to treat psychiatric disorders
• birth control pills

When a person is exposed to EDCs, the substances may interfere with the endocrine system in various ways. These include:

• Mimicking a natural hormone: A chemical may mimic a hormone, which can trigger a disproportionate response from the body. For example, EDCs may affect the release of insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas. Insulin is essential in regulating blood glucose levels. Insulin disruption may contribute to health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and heart problems.
• Preventing hormones from binding to receptors: EDCs may bind to receptors within cells, preventing hormones from binding to them. Without binding to receptors, hormones cannot send chemical signals, and the body cannot respond properly.
• Blocking the production of hormones and receptors: EDCs may block or interfere with how the body produces hormones and receptors. The chemicals may cause under- or overproduction of specific hormones.

There are more than 1,000 types of EDCs. Some of the most common EDCs include:

• Bisphenol A (BPA): Manufacturers use BPA in epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics. The EDC is present in products like toys, plastic food and beverage packaging, and the lining of some canned foods.
• Phthalates: Phthalates are compounds that make plastics more durable. They are found in a wide range of products, including medical device tubing, toys, food packaging, and fragrances. Many cosmetics also contain phthalates, including some shampoos, cleansers, nail polish, and hair spray.
• Phytoestrogens: Phytoestrogens are natural substances in certain plants, such as soy. They may produce a similar effect to estrogen in the body.
• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): PFAS are a group of chemicals that manufacturers use in various applications, including in paper, fire-retardant foam, nonstick pans, and textile coatings.
• Atrazine: Atrazine is a common herbicide. Agriculturalists use the chemical to control weeds in various crops.
• Dioxins: Dioxins are a byproduct of some manufacturing processes, including paper bleaching and herbicide production.

According to research, EDCs can disrupt various hormones, which may affect a range of bodily functions and contribute to several health complications:

• Thyroid hormones: Thyroid hormones are essential for metabolism and development. EDCs may affect thyroid hormones in several ways, including how the hormones bind to proteins and travel through the body. This may contribute to health complications, including parathyroid tumor growth.
• Estrogen: Estrogen is a hormone essential to male and female reproduction and female breast and reproductive health. EDCs can disrupt estrogen in various ways, including binding to estrogen receptors. This may affect reproductive, behavior, and developmental processes.
• Testosterone: Testosterone is a male sex hormone. Its functions include the regulation of fertility, red blood cell production, and muscle mass. Animal studies suggest certain EDCs can impair testosterone production, reduce testosterone concentration, and decrease sperm counts.
• Insulin: Animal studies suggest EDCs may affect insulin, which could lead to health issues like insulin resistance.
• Melatonin: Melatonin is a hormone that helps maintain circadian rhythms and promotes restful sleep. Some EDCs may reduce melatonin secretion, which could lead to sleep disturbances and other health complications.

Most people are probably exposed to at least some types of EDCs, which are present in the environment and many everyday products. However, more research is necessary to determine how EDCs affect humans. Most of the current research on the effects of EDCs relies on animal-focused studies.

According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, research suggests links between EDCs and:

• Unusual puberty developments: EDCs in tea tree and lavender oils may contribute to unusual breast development in boys and premature breast development in girls.
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Certain phthalates may be associated with ADHD-related behaviors in adolescents.
• Immune response: Children exposed to high levels of PFAS had a diminished immune response to vaccines.
• Reproduction: The drug diethylstilbestrol (DES), a synthetic form of estrogen, could cause genetic changes that affect fertility and reproduction.
• Metabolism: Arsenic exposure over a long period may disrupt metabolism. This could increase a person’s risk of diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

A person cannot completely avoid EDCs, as many are present in the environment and exposure can occur through diet, water, air, and skin contact.

Furthermore, exposure to some EDCs may be unavoidable for some, such as phthalates present in essential medical device tubing and PFAS present in fire-retardant foam.

It is also worth noting that many people may not be able to reduce their exposure to EDCs. Products containing less EDCs, such as organic pesticide-free produce, may be more expensive. EDCs may also be present in the air in areas close to manufacturing plants in urban areas.

However, a person may reduce their risk of exposure to some EDCs in consumer products and the environment.

They can do this by reading the labels of cosmetics, plastics, and other products to check whether they contain EDCs such as BPA and phthalates.

Some tips for avoiding EDCs include:

• choosing organic, pesticide-free products where possible
• avoiding products that contain phytoestrogens, such as soy
• using BPA-free plastic water bottles or bottles made from glass or bamboo
• avoiding cooking with nonstick pans and instead opting for stainless steel or cast iron pans
• avoiding plastic products, such as plastic chopping boards, toys, plates, and cutlery, and instead opting for materials such as wood or ceramics
• avoiding textiles that contain plastic, such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic, and instead choosing products made of cotton, bamboo, hemp, or wool
• avoiding chemical cosmetics, such as nail polish and hair spray, and opting for natural cosmetics where possible

People in workplaces or other high risk environments that involve exposure to EDCs may reduce their risk of endocrine disruption by wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and completing training on safely handling and storing the chemicals.

Below are the answers to some frequently asked questions about EDCs.

Which foods are endocrine disruptors?

EDCs may be present in:

• water bottled in plastic
• canned foods
• meat
• fish
• eggs
• dairy products

How do you remove endocrine disruptors from your body?

A person cannot remove endocrine disruptors from the body. A person also cannot avoid EDCs completely, as traces of EDCs are often present in the surrounding environment.

However, it is possible to reduce exposure to some endocrine disruptors by choosing products free from EDCs.

The best way to reduce exposure to EDCs is to choose products that do not contain EDCs such as BPA, atrazine, and phthalates.

A good way to do this is to choose organic, pesticide-free produce and opt for nonplastic materials, such as wood, bamboo, cotton, and glass.

Why are endocrine disruptors so dangerous?

EDCs could be dangerous because they may change how the endocrine system functions. This may lead to dysfunction in normal bodily processes and systems and increase the risks of certain health conditions.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are substances that may affect the endocrine system.

The endocrine system is responsible for many essential bodily functions and processes, and disruption may cause various health concerns.

Many products and types of produce contain EDCs, and the chemicals are present in the environment.

People cannot avoid EDC exposure completely. However, they may be able to avoid certain EDCs by choosing products free from the chemicals and taking precautions in high risk environments.