An Overview of Endocrine Disruptors (EDCs)

Medical Reviewed By Lucas Rosa

PhD in Molecular Biology

Endocrine disruptors are dangerous chemicals in everyday products that disrupt our hormones.

What are Endocrine Disruptors?

Endocrine disruptors are commonly known as hormonal disruptors or EDCs because they impair the endocrine system. The endocrine system regulates the hormones in our bodies, and endocrine disruptors prevent this system from successfully doing its job. Endocrine disruptors can mimic, block, or alter the natural hormones in our bodies which can lead to numerous health problems.

EDCs can have a slow but long-lasting effect on our health that can be passed down for generations. They are commonly found in everyday things, like the food we eat, the water we drink, personal care products, cleaning products, and manufactured products. Their widespread presence makes minimizing their impact essential for having good hormonal health.

How Endocrine Disruptors Affect Our Health

The impact of EDCs on human health can be profound. These chemicals mess with our hormones which are crucial for maintaining overall well-being.

EDCs have been linked to a wide range of health issues, including reproductive problems, developmental delays, neurological problems, and an increased risk of certain cancers. Exposure to EDCs during critical periods of development, such as pregnancy or puberty, can have lasting effects on an individual's health.

In children, exposure to EDCs can lead to developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral issues. In adults, prolonged exposure can contribute to chronic conditions such as thyroid disorders, infertility, cardiovascular diseases, and breast cancer.

Common Sources of Endocrine Disruptors

EDCs are commonly found in many products in our environment. A common source of endocrine disruption is in plastics which can contain bisphenol A (BPA), a well-known EDC. Other sources are personal care products such as shampoos, soaps, and cosmetics which can contain phthalates and parabens (endocrine-disrupting chemicals).

Pesticides and herbicides used in agriculture are another significant source of EDCs. Household items like cleaning supplies can also contain these harmful chemicals. Additionally, industrial endocrine-disrupting chemicals like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxins, can be released into the environment and cause the air that we breathe to have endocrine disruptors in it.

Even tap water can get contaminated with endocrine disruptors. Common medications that have endocrine-disrupting chemicals in them can enter the water supply when they are flushed down toilets. A common example of this are birth control pills. These pills contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals and are flushed down toilets through urination.

Look at the labels of products to help reduce your exposure to these endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Strategies for Reducing EDC Exposure

Reducing exposure to EDCs involves making informed choices about the products we use, the food we eat, and the water we drink.

Using glass, bamboo, or stainless steel containers for foods and drinks can help minimize your exposure. Also, reading the labels on the products we purchase and choosing options free of endocrine disruptors will help minimize exposure. Eating organic produce can reduce exposure to pesticides and herbicides that contain EDCs.

In general, choosing products or produce that are organic, natural, and eco-friendly will help you reduce your exposure to endocrine disruptors.

To learn more about reducing exposure to EDCs, check out our blog post about Minimizing Endocrine Exposure in Daily Life.

Download these apps to be more aware of endocrine disruptors in everyday products: 

Visit these sites to learn more about endocrine disruptors:

Conclusion

Endocrine disruptors pose a significant threat to public health. They have a widespread presence and can interfere with our body's hormonal system. Understanding what EDCs are, their sources, and their potential health impacts are crucial for taking proactive steps to reduce your exposure to them.

By making informed choices about the products we consume and purchase, we can lower our exposure to EDCs and protect our health, and the health of future generations.

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