You may have heard the term “endocrine disruptor” applied to many substances that surround us every day, but maybe you didn’t understand exactly what that means.
So here’s your definition:
An endocrine disruptor is any substance that interferes with the endocrine (hormone) production system in mammals.
Yes, in simple terms, these things mess with our hormones. And when they mess with our hormones, endocrine disruptors can interfere with the immune system, cause cancer, birth defects, developmental disorders and infertility, not to speak of the accumulation of toxins in hormone-producing organs with unknown consequences.
The bad news is that endocrine disruptors are everywhere in our lives. The good news is that there is something we can do about it.
Here are some of the major ones:
Glyphosate: Numerous studies show the active ingredient in RoundUp herbicide causes substantial endocrine disruption, including lower progesterone levels, mammary tumors and severe organ damage, in levels permitted in drinking water, despite the US government’s denial of its toxicity. It’s also been linked to kidney disease, Alzheimer’s disease, obesity, cancer and many more serous health problems. Some sources estimate as much as 80% of our food supply is contaminated with glyphosate, including many organic foods that are affected by drifting glyphosate sprays. Some scientists believe glyphosate may be the most toxic chemical ever approved for commercial use. It’s difficult, almost impossible to avoid glyphosate. Avoid all wheat products, since even organic wheat has been contaminated, and wash your organic fruits and vegetables very carefully, with hydrogen peroxide, if possible.
Organophosphate pesticides: These chemicals developed for use in chemical warfare in World War II are still commonly used in pesticides today. They disrupt brain development, lower testosterone levels and cause thyroid hormone dysfunction. To avoid organophosphates, buy organic pest control products, don’t let pest control companies into your home unless they are using completely organic products and can prove it and don’t track outside residues into your home—leave your shoes at the door!
BPA (bisphenol-A): This chemical is used in most plastics and imitates estrogen in the human body. It’s found in most canned foods and in thermal paper like that used in receipts, especially in plastics labeled polycarbonate.
Dioxin: Used in the production of paper and in many industrial processes, and has been documented to build up in the food chain and therefore in the human body, causing cancers, immune system and reproductive disorders. It’s difficult to avoid dioxin, but the heaviest loads are in meats, fish, eggs and butter.
Atrazine: This herbicide is used on most corn crops and has contaminated much of the drinking water stored in open systems like reservoirs. It’s been linked to breast tumors, prostate cancer and delayed puberty. Filter drinking water and buy organic produce to avoid atrazine.
Phthlates: Found in almost all soft plastics, including children’s toys
and shampoo and other personal care products, especially those with fragrances, phthalates are especially linked to changes in sperm count, less mobile sperm, birth defects in male babies, obesity, diabetes and thyroid dysfunction. Avoid plastic food containers and any personal care products that contain DEHP, DEP, DMP, BzBP and any artificial fragrances.
Perchlorate: This component in rocket fuel contaminates most of our fruits and vegetables and dairy products. Among its many health destroyers, it competes with essential iodine absorption and alters hormone production and metabolism and brain development in infants and children. If you don’t have a well, filter all your water and install a reverse osmosis filter, which wastes an inordinate amount of water. Even organic foods can be contaminated, so adding iodine to your diet is essential to neutralize its effects.
Fire retardants: Most often found in children’s sleepwear and polyurethane foam in furniture , fire retardants (polybrominated diphenyl ethers—PDBEs) are found in tissues and breast milk of people and animals worldwide. Several types of PDBEs have been phased out, but their residual effects are still found virtually everywhere. By imitating thyroid hormones, they disrupt the activity of real thyroid hormones resulting in variety of health problems, including lower IQs in children, reduced fertility and cancer.
Lead: We’ve all learned a lot more about the danger of lead due to the Flint, MI water crisis, especially because it causes brain damage. It also disrupts hormone activity, especially in the hormones that govern stress and cause high blood pressure, diabetes, anxiety and depression. Lead is still found in flaking lead-based paint in virtually all homes built before 1978, so it’s important to keep painted surfaces smooth or even to remove old paint (an expensive and complicated procedure). Lead is also found in older plumbing pipes in homes and in municipal water systems, so test your water and install a whole house filter if you have elevated lead. Even that may not be
enough, as residents of Flint, MI have found.
PFCs (perfluorinated chemicals): These chemicals found in non-stick cookware have been banned, but almost all of us have PFCs in our bodies and will show up in our bodies and those of our children for generations to come. PFCs never break down in the environment and causes decreased sperm quality, low birth weights in babies, kidney disease, thyroid disease and high cholesterol.
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