About endocrine-disrupting chemicals

Understanding the Impact of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals on Human Health

In recent years, the potential health effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have garnered significant attention from scientists, healthcare professionals, and the public alike. These chemicals, found in the environment (e.g. water, soil, air) and many everyday products (e.g. plastics, pesticides, electronics, and cosmetics) can interfere with the body’s endocrine system and lead to a variety of health issues. An increasing amount of scientific evidence highlights the hazardous impact of EDC exposure on human health in particular within vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children, and people in the fertile age range.   

EDCs are substances that can interfere with the hormonal functions in the body.

Hormones are crucial for regulating various bodily processes, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction. EDCs can mimic, block, or alter the natural hormones, leading to potential health problems – such as developmental and reproductive disorders. Common EDCs include bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, dioxins, and certain pesticides.

EDCs can be found in a wide range of everyday products and the environment.

Sources of EDCs include:

  • Plastics and food containers: BPA and phthalates are often used in the production of plastic products, including food containers and water bottles.
  • Personal care products: Many cosmetics, shampoos, and lotions contain phthalates and parabens.
  • Pesticides and herbicides: Chemicals used in agriculture can act as EDCs and may enter the food supply.
  • Industrial chemicals: PCBs and dioxins, by-products of industrial processes, can persist in the environment and accumulate in the food chain.

The interference of EDCs with the endocrine system can lead to various health issues.

The health effects of EDCs include:

  • Reproductive Health: EDCs have been linked to reproductive issues, including reduced fertility, developmental problems in children, and altered sex hormone levels.
  • Metabolic Disorders: Exposure to EDCs may contribute to metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and thyroid dysfunction.
  • Hormone-Related Cancers: Some studies suggest a connection between EDC exposure and an increased risk of hormone-related cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer.
  • Neurological Effects: There is emerging evidence that EDCs may impact brain development and function, potentially leading to cognitive and behavioural issues.

Avoiding environmental chemicals in everyday life can help to minimize people’s exposure to EDCs.

While it may be challenging to completely avoid EDCs, there are steps to minimize the exposure:

  • Choose BPA-free products: Prefer products labelled as BPA-free, particularly when it comes to food containers and water bottles.
  • Reduce plastic use: Opt for glass, stainless steel, or other alternatives to plastic whenever possible.
  • Be mindful of personal care products: Check labels for phthalates, parabens, and other chemicals, and consider switching to natural or organic alternatives.
  • Consume organic products: Organic farming practices tend to use fewer synthetic pesticides, reducing the risk of EDC exposure through food.
  • Avoid microwaving plastic: Heat can cause plastics to leach chemicals, so avoid microwaving food in plastic containers.

Awareness of the potential health risks posed by EDCs is crucial for making informed choices in everyday life.

By understanding where harmful chemicals are found and how they can impact human health, proactive steps can be taken to reduce the exposure and protect one’s well-being. The comprehensive ENDOMIX project continues to shed light on the complexities of EDCs, and to empower evidence-informed decision making as key to safeguard our health and that of future generations.

References

Bergman Å, Heindel JJ, Jobling S, Kidd K, Zoeller TR, Organization WH. State of the science of endocrine disrupting chemicals 2012: World Health Organization; 2013.

Diamanti-Kandarakis E, Bourguignon J-P, Giudice LC, Hauser R, Prins GS, Soto AM, et al. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals: an Endocrine Society scientific statement. Endocrine reviews. 2009;30(4):293-342.

Vandenberg LN, Colborn T, Hayes TB, Heindel JJ, Jacobs Jr DR, Lee D-H, et al. Hormones and endocrine-disrupting chemicals: low-dose effects and nonmonotonic dose responses. Endocrine reviews. 2012;33(3):378-455.