Our body is controlled by the endocrine system that consists of a network of hormones and glands governing every activity of our body. The endocrine system is most commonly associated with puberty however it plays an important role in all stages of growth, development, metabolism, and behaviour.
Certain natural or synthetic chemicals in plastics, food cans, plastic bottles, detergents, and cosmetics can imitate hormones and disturb the delicate endocrine dance. Such chemicals are named endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC). Some endocrine-disrupting chemicals degrade slowly in the environment. Because of this, they are potentially dangerous over time. We are exposed to these substances regularly, and we are more sensitive to them during periods of rapid development.
The endocrine-disrupting chemicals can also create signalling issues in cells and tissues. This can lead to premature cell death or cause organ malfunction by accumulating in the hormone-producing organs. The irreversible damage to hormone-regulating organs can lead to serious life-threatening diseases like cancer, neurological disorders, cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders. Such detrimental effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on health must be avoided by preventing their intake.
This article is a guide to identify the most common endocrine disrupting chemicals and understand the importance of limiting our exposure to these harmful hormone-mimicking chemicals.
Parabens
By far one of the most contentious endocrine-disrupting chemicals, these synthetic compounds, commonly used as low-cost preservatives in cosmetic products, have been shown to imitate estrogen in the human body and have been discovered to accumulate in vital hormone-regulating organs. Parabens are estrogen-like compounds, and estrogen imbalances have a role in the development of breast cancer. Studies show that nearly half of malignant breast tumors contain different types of parabens. Methyl-parabens also cause several neurological, metabolic, and hormonal disorders, along with cancer.
Bisphenol A (BPA)
Used to produce polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins in a wide range of plastic items, including food storage containers, Bisphenol A may enter the body through the skin or leach into foods and beverages we ingest, disturbing the normal hormone levels in the body, affecting growth and development. Accumulation in the body leads to health risking disorders like brain and heart problems and cancer.
Phthalates
Utilised to make polymers more flexible, phthalates are one of the most damaging endocrine-disrupting chemicals you won’t find labelled on plastic products. They may also be found in food packaging, cosmetics, children's toys, and medical products. Unlike the other substances discussed, phthalates have no hormone-mimicking effects on the body. Instead, research has found that it harms the male reproductive system, including lower sperm count, testicular cell death, and thyroid abnormalities. It is also linked with obesity, breast cancer, and neural development issues.
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE)
Used as flame retardants to reduce the chance of a product catching fire, polybrominated diphenyl ethers are commonly used in household furniture and carpets. As PBDEs are pervasive, exposure to their fumes can cause several health risks like thyroid issues and neurotoxicity.
Contact with these chemicals occurs via diet, air, water, and skin, and even a low dose can prove to be dangerous for health. Vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and infants are more affected by these hormone-mimicking chemicals.
There are several lifestyle modifications you can make to decrease your exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals - here are three simple changes:
When feasible, eat pesticide-free organic food.
Avoid unnecessary exposure to chemicals, especially garden and interior chemicals.
Replace personal care items and cosmetics containing dangerous chemicals with more natural products, especially before and during pregnancy.
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