Written By Brad Kell
What are Endocrine Disruptors?
EDCs are substances that interfere with hormonal systems and include phthalates (used to make plastics flexible), bisphenol A (BPA, found in food can linings and plastic containers), parabens (used as preservatives in cosmetics and personal care products), and PFAS (used in non-stick cookware and water-resistant coatings). Over time, these substances can accumulate in the body, contributing to issues such as fertility decline, developmental delays, behavioral disorders, and chronic diseases like diabetes and certain cancers.
Dr. Yvonne Burkart, a toxicologist with extensive experience in the flavor and fragrance industry, discussed on The Diary of a CEO podcast how EDCs—particularly those found in synthetic fragrances and personal care products—are absorbed through the skin, inhaled, and even ingested. She emphasized that these chemicals often build up in the body over time, exacerbating their harmful effects.
Numerous studies highlight a critical concern regarding young children, particularly those under the age of 10, and their vulnerability to toxic chemicals. During the formative years, children’s bodies are still developing, and their metabolic systems are less equipped to process and eliminate harmful EDCs. What’s more, prenatal exposure to PFAS has been linked to neurobehavioral development issues and hormonal disruptions in the offspring. These findings underscore the importance of minimizing children’s exposure to EDCs during critical developmental periods.
Everyday Products That Pose Risks
1. Cookware and Food Packaging:
Non-stick cookware including Teflon pans often contains perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are highly persistent in the environment and linked to hormonal disruptions, cancer, and immune system harm. Food packaging materials, including plastic wraps and containers, also leach harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates into food, particularly when heated.
2. Fragrances and Cosmetics:
Synthetic fragrances used in perfumes, candles, and air fresheners often contain phthalates. These chemicals are not only linked to hormone disruption but also to respiratory and skin irritation. Manufacturers frequently label these harmful substances under the vague term “fragrance,” making it difficult for consumers to identify and avoid them.
3. Synthetic Clothing and Undergarments:
Nylon, textile, and polyester fabrics are frequently treated with harmful chemicals like phthalates, formaldehyde, and toxic dyes, which can be absorbed through the skin and are known to be carcinogenic. And when we throw these clothes in the dryer or sweat in them, thereby heating the clothing with our body heat, it can release even more of these harmful chemicals into the air, further increasing the risk of exposure.
4. Indoor Air Quality:
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by synthetic cleaning products, air fresheners, and scented candles can worsen indoor air quality, contributing to respiratory issues and immune dysfunction. A 2023 study published in Science of the Total Environment linked VOC exposure to cognitive decline and long-term health problems.
5. Microplastics:
Found in everything from water bottles to synthetic fabrics, microplastics have been discovered in human tissues, including the bloodstream and placenta. These tiny particles can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, which are linked to chronic diseases and reproductive challenges, according to a 2022 study in Environmental Science & Technology.
Strategies to Reduce Toxin Exposure with Quick Swaps
The cumulative effects of these toxins often go unnoticed until they result in significant health issues. By making conscious changes in the products we use and advocating for better regulations, we can reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and protect our health. Below, we highlight some examples of simple swaps for healthier alternatives
Clothing and Body Care Products
– Synthetic perfume/fragrances/body mists → Homemade or organic oil roll-ons. Avoid products with vague terms like “fragrance” and choose items labeled as phthalate-free, paraben-free, and BPA-free.
– Most makeup brands → Organic, natural, non-toxic brands.
– Conventional oral care → Stainless steel tongue scrapers, bamboo toothbrushes, water picks, and ozonated products.
– Plastic loofahs → Natural loofah scrubbers.
– Body care products → Shea butter and organic oils.
– Plastic undergarments with neon colors/heavy dyes → 100% organic cotton.
– Deodorant/Antiperspirant → None! (If used in the past, choose natural alternatives).
– Single-use cotton rounds → Reusable cotton rounds or cotton towels.
Cookware Swaps
– Non-stick Teflon-coated pans → Cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic-coated cookware.
– Aluminum foil → Reusable beeswax wraps, stainless-steel containers, or glass jars.
– Plastic spatulas → Wooden, bamboo, or stainless-steel spatulas.
– Microwave-safe plastic containers → Glass containers with airtight lids or stainless-steel containers.
– Disposable baking trays → Reusable glass or metal baking dishes.
Packaging Swaps
– Single-use plastic wrap → Beeswax wraps or reusable food covers.
– Canned goods with BPA linings → Glass jars or jars with BPA-free liners.
– Plastic bottles → Glass or stainless-steel bottles.
– Single-use plastic cutlery → Reusable bamboo or stainless-steel cutlery.
– Plastic straws → Stainless steel, bamboo, or glass straws.
– Takeout containers → Bring your own reusable containers or opt for compostable packaging.
By taking small, practical steps, we can work toward a future with fewer toxins, protecting hormone health and fertility for generations to come. At the heart of our mission is the commitment to enhancing wellness in other people’s lives and striving for continuous improvement in our daily habits. This is why we’ve chosen to explore this topic—because the more we understand, the greater the progress we can make together.
