The impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on health

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are substances found in everyday products. From plastics to personal care items, they’re having a huge but often overlooked impact on human health. These chemicals can interfere with hormonal systems, potentially leading to a range of health issues such as reproductive disorders and metabolic diseases. Despite their widespread presence, the dangers posed by EDCs remain largely hidden from public awareness. Understanding how these chemicals impact the body at a cellular level is essential in addressing the health risks they pose.Curious about how EDCs impact your health? Click through now to find out more.

What are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)?

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Other concerns

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

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.

How are you exposed?

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

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. 

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.

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.

EPA

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

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.

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.