And how we can protect ourselves from them.
What are endocrine disruptors?
Endocrine disruptors (or endocrine-disrupting chemicals, EDCs) are substances that can interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine (hormonal) system.
These chemicals can mimic or block hormones like estrogen and progesterone, disrupting their usual roles. This interference can contribute to various health issues in both men and women. In women, it may lead to problems such as menstrual irregularities, fertility challenges, weight gain, impaired energy metabolism, and more.
Endocrine disruptors can also influence how we age, affect our energy levels, and impact nearly every aspect of our health and well-being.
Some of the well-known EDCs include phthalates, BPAs, PFAS, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, oxybenzone, and parabens. But the list goes on – according to the 2012 report by UNEP and WHO, close to 800 chemicals are known or suspected to have hormone-disrupting properties in the human body.
Here is an example of an endocrine disruptor blocking your hormones from doing their job (in this case – insulin):
Insulin-blocking properties of endocrine disruptors can contribute to insuin resistance: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10656111/
Most popular sources of endocrine disruptors in our daily lives that are easy to swap/avoid:
- Receipts (specifically, the ink used to print on them)
- scented candles
- scented body products
- cleaning products (detergents, cleaning sprays, dishwasher pods)
- plastic dishes and bottles
- household cleaning products
- cosmetics and body care products, especially those with a strong scent
- female products (like pads, tampons etc.)
- Teflon, especially – scratched pans with non-stick coating
- pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals on foods (a large percentage of the chemicals in non-organic foods can be washed off by soaking them in warm water for a few minutes.)
- drinking water (depends on your location). Some of the examples of EDCs in drinking water are pesticides, medication residues, BPAs and more).
- microplastic-heavy foods. While virtually any foods have a risk of containing at least some micro- or nanoplastics, some are better known to contain them, than others. Refined salts,
How to protect yourself from Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals?
Easy swaps and substitutes:
- Switch to glass tupperware, bottles, and storage jars; I like Pyrex for tupperware, and use a Larq water bottle.
- Swap scented candles for beeswax candles.
- Avoid touching store receipts (you can ask to email them most of the time)
- To help chose clean and safe body care and makeup, use an app like the Yuka app. It allows you to scan each product and provides a safety rating along with description of each individual chemical and the research behind its health effects.
- To find more clean personal care, cleaning, and baby product brands check out the EWG clean label directory.
- Switch to natural detergents (like True Earth or Molly’s Suds).
- For cleaning, switch to baking soda and vinegar, and Dr. Bronner’s castile soap.
- Replace scratched non-stick pans with new ones, only use silicone spatulas to stir and flip (no wood, plastic, or metal).
- Reduce cooking with non-stick to the necessary minimum and use stainless steel instead. You can turn your stainless steel into a non-stick by using my parchment paper hack. Simply cook anything from fish to eggs to pancakes on a parchment-lined stainless steel pan.
- When possible, buy organic foods, especially the ones on a Dirty Dozen List, and grains, beans, and legumes (as these are most heavily treated with pesticides).
- Thoroughly wash your grains, beans, and legumes to reduce EDC-containing microplastic residues.
- Always filter your water.
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Summary
Endocrine disruptors are now found in many of our everyday products, including personal care items, foods, cleaning supplies, and more. While it’s true that we are surrounded by these substances, it’s important to recognize that we can take meaningful steps to reduce our exposure and make healthier choices for ourselves and the planet.
We don’t need to eliminate all sources of EDCs overnight—it’s about gradual, mindful change. Simple actions like choosing natural personal care products, avoiding unnecessary plastics that contain chemicals like BPA, and supporting brands that use safe, non-toxic ingredients can help limit your exposure. You can also make a significant difference by opting for organic foods, reducing pesticide exposure, and advocating for safer environmental policies.
On a larger scale, many organizations and activists are already pushing for regulations to reduce EDCs in everyday products and industrial processes. By staying informed and supporting these efforts, we can collectively reduce the burden of EDCs on future generations and help the environment.
Remember, while EDCs pose a serious challenge, every small change adds up. By making thoughtful choices, we protect our health and contribute to a cleaner, safer world for all. Let’s focus on progress, not perfection, and commit to a healthier future.
Research:
Endocrine Disruptors in Water and Their Effects on the Reproductive System: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7139484
Inappropriately sweet: Environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals and the diabetes pandemic: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8714029
EDCs – Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals: https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/34376/EDC_brochure.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
