How harmful are endocrine-disrupting chemicals?
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The bottom line
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) interfere with endocrine systems by antagonizing or mimicking hormones in the body. There are over 1,000 EDCs. EDCs are found in food, drinking water, air, the environment, cosmetics, and personal care products. Most are manmade, but some are naturally occurring. Research has found links between EDCs and harmful health effects.
Prevention Tips
Decrease use of food and drinks in plastic containers, bottles, and packaging.
Eat fresh food and organic food.
Avoid canned or processed foods.
Avoid certain personal care products that contain EDCs.
Avoid cleaning supplies with EDCs.
Use stainless steel or cast-iron cookware rather than non-stick cookware.
Keep informed about where EDCs are found and use alternative products if possible.
This Really Happened
The mother of a 1-year-old girl observed right-side breast development. At the age of 3 years, the child complained of breast tenderness. She was not on any medications, and her past medical history was unremarkable. A physical exam revealed that she had breast tissue growth on the right side. She had been bathed with baby bath soap containing lavender oil and chamomile since she was an infant. The bath product was discontinued and six months later the enlarged breast tissue had completely resolved.
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What are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)? How do they work?
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that interfere with the endocrine system. The endocrine system is responsible for hormone production and regulation. Endocrine disruptors affect systems controlled by hormones by antagonizing or mimicking hormones in the body.
Can EDCs trigger early puberty in girls?
EDCs may trigger early puberty in girls. EDCs such as BPA, phthalates, and some pesticides have estrogenic or antiandrogenic effects. EDCs can also increase production of GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone) that regulates the reproductive system. However, there are many factors that affect the onset of puberty, and it is unclear how significant of a role EDCs play.
Where are EDCs found?
EDCs may be found in food and drinking water, indoor air and dust, the environment (resulting from industrial and agricultural runoff), cosmetics and personal care products, and clothing. They are found in many products including:
Plastics
Paints
Building materials
Electrical equipment
Herbicides (as well as byproducts of manufacturing herbicides)
Pesticides
Flame retardants and firefighting foam
Non-stick cookware
Soaps and body washes
Mercury, lead, and arsenic are heavy metals that can also be endocrine disruptors. Some plants and oils from plants (such as lavender oil and tea tree oil) are EDCs. Soy products contain phytoestrogens, which are a type of EDC.
What chemicals should I be on the lookout for?
There are probably over 1,000 EDCs. Commons EDCs include:
Atrazine (an herbicide) and dioxins (byproducts of producing herbicides and paper bleaching)
Bisphenol A (BPA) in plastics, toys, and canned foods/drinks.
Phthalates used in plastics, cosmetics (including nail polish, hairspray, cleansers, shampoo), fragrances, toys, and medical device tubing.
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) used in non-stick pans, textile coating, paper, and firefighting foam.
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) used in flame retardants for furniture and carpet.
Triclosan used in some liquid body wash and soaps.
Phytoestrogens (naturally occurring in some plants with similar effect to estrogen).
What does the science say about exposure to EDCs?
Research has found links between EDCs and harmful health effects. Some phthalates were associated with ADHD-related behaviors in teens and increased risk of preterm births. EDCs may influence fertility in men and women. If levels of PFAs are high, immune response can be reduced, which can decrease response to childhood vaccines.
EDCs may increase the risk of diabetes, obesity, certain cancers, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Some EDCs can accumulate in the body and harmful effects can be passed onto children and grandchildren. There is ongoing research on the health impact of EDCs.
What to do if you believe you are having an adverse reaction to an encounter with an EDC.
If you believe you are having an adverse reaction from an EDC, try to identify the source and minimize your exposure. Depending on the source, you can minimize exposure by getting fresh air, rinsing your skin and/or removing contaminated clothing. If your symptoms are serious, you should seek medical attention immediately.
If you have a question about an exposure to EDCs or about safety of using products containing EDCs, use the webPOISONCONTROL® online tool to get help, or call your poison center at 1-800-222-1222. Whether online or by phone, expert guidance is always free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.
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