In our environments, whether in our offices, homes or places of recreation, we are exposed to a number of endocrine disruptors which can negatively affect the way our hormones relay messages throughout the endocrine system. These chemicals can retard or halt the processes of the reproductive system, the neurological system, the immune system, and also hinder growth and development. Some substances that are categorized as endocrine disruptors include pharmaceuticals, dioxin, pesticides, and plastics such as bisphenol A (BPA). These disruptors are found in many products including plastic bottles, canned food, detergents, anything that is flame retardant or stain resistant, toys, cosmetics, and pesticides.
Our endocrine system is comprised of the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas, and ovaries in women, or testes in men. These glands produce hormones that act as chemical messengers in the bloodstream that messages are sent to different organs in various parts of the body to regulate basic functions of the body, like developing the brain and nervous system, controlling blood sugar, regulating growth, tissue function, sexual and reproductive function, as well as our sleep and mood.
Each organ has receptors that allow it to recognize and respond to the hormones. Hormones act on the receptors in cells by binding to them. Once this occurs, the organ can then carry out the message of the hormones by either altering the cell’s existing proteins or activating the genes to create new proteins. The bond between the receptors and hormones regulate the organ’s activity by turning on or off specific biological processes in the cells.
The major components involved in the endocrine system are the ovaries, testes, pituitary gland, thyroid and adrenal glands which release hormones necessary for growth and function such as estrogen, androgen, thyroxine, and triiodothyronine.
Estrogen in women is responsible for female sexual development and is produced primarily by the ovaries, with small amounts produced by the adrenal glands. Estrogen is responsible for the regulation of menstrual cycles, the formation of secondary sex characteristics like breast development, the formation of bones with the assistance of vitamin D, and, as a recent study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information suggests, in mood regulation. Men also produce estrogen from the adrenal glands in small amounts, which affects sperm count.
Androgen in men is responsible for male sexual development. Testosterone is the most widely known androgen which is produced in the testes. Androgens are responsible for secondary sex characteristics in men like the growth of facial and chest hair, vocal changes in adolescence, enhancing bone growth, the regeneration of red blood cells, and increasing muscle thickness in the male body. In women, androgens are necessary for the production of estrogens. In women, androgens are produced in the ovaries and the adrenal glands in the form of testosterone and androstenedione. In the adrenal glands, androgens are produced in the forms of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA sulfate, which are later converted to androstenedione and testosterone in other peripheral tissues like hair follicles, the sebaceous glands in the skin, the prostate, the genitalia, and fat tissue.
Thyroxine is a hormone secreted by the thyroid gland which is converted into triiodothyronine, by the kidneys and liver. These hormones are actively involved in the regulation of the body’s metabolic rate, heart and digestive functions, muscle control, brain development and maintenance of bones.
Endocrine disruptors mimic our hormones in our body in that they bind to our cell’s receptors, blocking the intended hormones, which then block the messages the organ needs to carry out its functions. They can also prevent the production of naturally occurring hormones. Because these disruptors block hormonal function in the body, they are the major suspects in altering reproductive functions in both men and women, increased rates of breast cancer, abnormal growth patterns and delayed brain development in children. Humans are often exposed to these chemicals via inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption.
Atrazine is used in pesticides. As a known endocrine disruptor, it has been shown to cause the feminization of male amphibians when tested in a laboratory. The tested amphibians were also capable of producing viable eggs after exposure. As atrazine is used on the majority of crops in the United States, it not only affects the plants that it is being used on, but also the drinking water as the atrazine seeps into the ground and eventually in the water supply. It has been linked to breast tumors, delayed puberty, and prostate cancer. Atrazine exposure can be minimized by choosing organic fruits and vegetables.
Arsenic can be found in our water supply, the soil, and contaminated agricultural and fish products. In trace amounts, it can cause skin, lung, and bladder cancer. It also interferes with the hormonal functioning of the glucocorticoid system, which regulates how our bodies process sugars and carbohydrates. When this system is disrupted, it can lead to weight gain, the suppression of the immune system, insulin resistance, osteoporosis ad high blood pressure. Arsenic exposure can be limited or avoided by using a water filter that can filter arsenic.
BPA mimics estrogen in the body. It’s often found in hard plastics like water bottles, baby bottles, some dental fillings and sealants, dental and medical devices, eyeglasses, DVDs, CDs, household electric items, sports equipment, synthetic carpet and thermal paper such as receipts or movie tickets. It’s also found in the lining inside food and drink cans. When used as a food or beverage container, BPA can leach into the product where it can then be ingested. BPA has been linked to fertility problems, male impotence, heart disease, and asthma. To avoid BPA exposure, limit your use plastic products. For carpet and furniture choices, try to find options that are made with natural fibers.
Dioxins are environmental pollutants, by-products of industrial processes, volcanic eruptions and forest fires, that are considered to be highly toxic. Dioxins are also produced in manufacturing processes like the chlorine bleaching of paper pulp, and in the production of herbicides and insecticides. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), once dioxins enter the body, they can remain there for a very long time as they have the ability to be absorbed by fat tissue. Their half-life, or the time it takes for the potency to drop down to half of its full toxicity level, is anywhere from seven to eleven years. In the environment, they accumulate in the soil, dairy products, meat, fish, and shellfish. Dioxins can cause reproductive issues, developmental problems, impair the immune system, block the effectiveness of natural hormones, and also cause cancer. To avoid dioxins, limit your intake of meat, fish, and dairy products. If you choose to consume meat or fish, it’s recommended to remove the skin from the meat before consumption.
Flame Retardants are used in the manufacturing of furniture like carpets, curtains, fabric blinds, mattresses, and couches, in building and construction materials, automobiles, and planes. These chemicals are added to products to reduce the material’s ability to ignite. Flame retardants are classified as brominated, which some have mostly been phased out due to known health hazards (PBDEs), and organophosphate flame retardants (OPFR), which are replacements for the brominated flame retardants.
Types of Brominated Flame Retardants
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) were used in the 1970s on furniture and electronics. Because they did not bind well to the materials they were added to, the PBDEs were often released into the air via dust. PBDEs have been shown to impact birth weight and impair neurological development.
Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), the world’s most highly produced brominated flame retardant, is used in the production of computer equipment and paper. It’s been found in household dust, the soil, water, and fish. When studied the effects of TBBPA were tested on lab rats, it was found that it caused cancer in the uterus of female rats and the liver of male rats.
Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is used in polystyrene foam building materials. This material can enter the air as household dust. Low levels have been detected in some food products. This flame retardant has been shown to have adverse effects on the neurological, immune, reproductive and endocrine systems of animals.
According to the National Toxicology Program, NTP, some of the newer OPFRs have the characteristics as the phased-out PBDEs. To reduce your exposure to flame retardants, eliminate as much dust as possible in your home by vacuuming with a HEPA filter, keeping all furnishings dust-free, and buy furnishings for your home that contain natural fibers that have not been treated with a flame retardant.
Glycol Ethers are chemical solvents found in paints, cleaning products, brake fluid, and some cosmetics. According to the European Union, these chemicals can affect your fertility or the health of your unborn child. This set of chemicals have been linked to blood abnormalities, lowered sperm counts, and in children, an increase in asthma and allergy symptoms with exposure from painted bedrooms. Exposure can be minimized by checking products for ingredients such as 2-butoxyethanol (EGBE) and methoxydiglycol (DEGME).
Lead, a naturally occurring metal, is harmful to almost every organ in the body. It’s been linked to permanent brain damage, miscarriage, premature birth, kidney damage and increased blood pressure. As an endocrine disruptor, lead disrupts stress hormones, which in turn makes it more difficult for your body to handle stress. Increased stress can lead to anxiety, depression, high blood pressure and even diabetes. Lead can be found in the water supply and in older homes and buildings that were painted with lead paint. You can avoid exposure by using a water filter that can filter out lead and by keeping your space cleared from old, crumbling lead paint.
Mercury is another naturally occurring toxic metal which gets into the air and water primarily by burning coal. Often, it is found in contaminated seafood. This metal is known to interfere with fetal brain development and also mimics and binds to estrogen, which affects a woman’s ovulation and menstrual cycle. Exposure can be minimized by avoiding sushi and limiting seafood consumption.
Perchlorates can form naturally in the atmosphere and are produced in large amounts for rocket fuel. When rockets are launched, they release large amounts of perchlorates which land in the soil and water. They are also used in fireworks, temporary adhesives, batteries, airbags, drying agents, cleaning agents and bleach. The main gland affected by perchlorates is the thyroid. When bound to the thyroid, perchlorates affect the thyroid’s ability to use iodine, which it needs to produce hormones. To minimize its exposure, it is recommended to use a reverse osmosis system for drinking water. If your food is affected, be sure that you’re consuming enough iodine for your thyroid.
Perfluorinated Chemicals (PFCs) are used to make non-stick cookware and to make clothing, furniture and carpet stain resistant. PFCs have been shown to be resistant to biodegradation, meaning that they break down very slowly, if at all in the environment. Therefore, if one has been exposed to it, PFCs will still be showing up in the body for many years. Although PFCs have been linked to a decreased sperm count, low birth weight, kidney disease, thyroid disease and high cholesterol. In animal studies, PFCs disrupted normal endocrine activity by reducing immune function, caused adverse effects on the liver and pancreas, and caused developmental problems. To minimize exposure, avoid non-stick cookware and stain-resistant clothing and furniture.
Phthalates are man-made chemicals that are used to make plastics more flexible and harder to break. They are added to personal care items to help lubricate the other substances and also to carry fragrances. They are used in nail polish, perfumes, deodorants, hair gels. Soaps, hair sprays, and body lotions. Although you may not see the word “phthalate” on your ingredients list, be wary of the generic term “fragrance” as this usually encompasses this chemical compound. Phthalates can trigger cell death in the testes and have been linked to lower sperm count, hormone changes, obesity, diabetes and disruption in thyroid function. To minimize exposure, avoid plastic whenever possible, especially those labeled with a recycling label 3, and read your personal care labels, avoiding any products with the term “fragrance.”
Whenever possible, try to minimize your exposure to endocrine disruptors, like those described above. By continually exposing yourself to them, you could be adversely affecting your body’s normal functioning via your endocrine system. As most of these items are easy to filter out or avoid, it’s best to limit as much of your exposure to them as possible. It’s also great to detox your liver and kidneys periodically to keep your body healthy and toxin-free. If you haven’t already, I’d recommend reading the following articles to help you in keeping your internal system clean:
Sweat your way to better health
Clean your body from the inside out
For a healthy body, you need a clean, healthy liver
Keep your endocrine system working for you, not against you, by avoiding endocrine disrupting chemicals. Through the minimization or avoidance of exposure to these EDCs, you’re one step closer to leading a very healthy life.
Ready to make your health a priority? Contact me here to schedule your consultation.
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