Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals

The tissues and glands within the body’s endocrine system produce and release powerful hormones that either directly or indirectly influence nearly all aspects of your health including mood, metabolism, and more. That’s why it’s so important to protect this system from disruption.

Unfortunately, many chemicals are considered endocrine disruptors that can wreak havoc on this important system. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, when these chemicals disrupt endocrine function, there is an increased risk of developmental malformation and reproductive issues, as well as disturbances in immune and nervous system function. Many of these chemicals are also linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, especially hormone sensitive cancers such as breast and prostate.

Understanding Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)

EDCs are chemicals that are encountered daily that mimic, block, or interfere with normal hormone activity. This is a very sensitive system so any disruption can cause hormonal imbalances that can negatively impact health on many levels.

The Endocrine Society reports that of the nearly 85,000 human-made chemicals worldwide, more than 1,000 are considered EDCs because of their unique make-up. These chemicals can be found in everyday products like cosmetics, food and beverage packaging, toys, carpets, pesticides, plastics, and more.

Research has confirmed that these chemicals can increase risk of some cancers. For example, dioxin and cadmium increase the risk of breast and thyroid cancer while arsenic and asbestos increase the risk of prostate cancer and organochlorines/organohalogens increase the risk of testicular cancer.

Reducing exposure is as much as possible is critical. This toolkit featuring information about how to have healthier indoor air, clean food, safe home and body care products, and clean water. Reducing use of plastics is also critical when it comes to protecting the sensitive, powerful endocrine system.