endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs)

see also:

• endocrinology
• foods that may be toxic or bad for you
• https://www.who.int/teams/environment-climate-change-and-health/settings-and-populations/children/endocrine-disrupters
• WHO publication 2002 Global assessment on the state of the science of endocrine disruptors

• endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals which can mimic, block, or interfere with the body's hormones
• 95% of people have endocrine disrupting chemicals in their body
• there are over 800 chemicals recognised or suspected of being EDCs
• xenoestrogens (XE) include as parabens and phthalates which are commonly used in personal care products (PCPs) and which may increase the risk of breast cancer ¹⁾

• may mimic, block, or interfere with the body's hormones
• may activate pregnane X receptor (PXR) (a major regulator of drug metabolism) which then increases SHBG levels and total testosterone levels²⁾
• it seems exposures may reduce vitamin D levels and reduce sleep duration ³⁾

• phthalates
  • in plastic containers, especially squeezy plastic bottles
  • avoid putting food in these containers into a microwave especially fatty foods which tend to absorb chemicals
  • avoid personal care products (PCPs) containing these
• bisphenols (Bisphenol A (BPA), etc) such as bisphenol A (BPA)
  • chemicals used in the lining of some food and beverage packaging to protect food from contamination and extend shelf life
  • in addition to its endocrine effects, during fetal development, the combination of BPA and retinoic acid (RA) appears to trigger abnormal brain and facial development by overstimulating RA-responsive genes, particularly a group known as HOX genes ⁴⁾
  • BPA is now removed from many plastics but “BPA-free” may just mean they have been substituted with inadequately researched substances - often another BPA-like one
    • concerns have been raised that some BPA substitutes may also cause adverse effects such as on the ovary⁵⁾
• dioxins
  • can be released from plastics which are reheated and then can be absorbed into food
• other examples:
  • oily fish like tuna, sardines, for example, they can absorb a lot of those chemicals from their environment
  • tinned food is often lined with plastics
  • herbicides and pesticides sprayed onto fruit and vegetables

• don't put plastic containers into the microwave
• avoid re-using plastic bottles
• transfer foods from plastic to china or stainless steel as soon as possible
• minimise tinned foods with plastic seals inside
• minimise oily fish intakes
• wash fruit and vegetables
• avoid handling paper receipts, especially with wet hands and don't keep them in your wallet
• avoid personal care products (PCPs) containing these chemicals