It may surprise you that many products contain harmful chemicals and foods that can disrupt hormones and cause health issues. Let's explore these chemicals and discuss ways to protect ourselves. Here are some of the most well-known chemicals and products associated with hormone disruptions:
- Bisphenol-A (BPA): BPA is found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins for plastic bottles, food can linings, and thermal paper receipts. It mimics estrogen, potentially affecting reproductive development and increasing cancer risk. Avoid canned foods and plastic with a BPA-free claim. Don't microwave plastics, and don't place them in the dishwasher. Age increases the leaking of BPA from plastics, so throw away old or damaged plastic containers. Use glass, porcelain, or stainless steel to store and serve hot foods. When using recycled plastic, check the recycle code on the bottom. Code numbers 3 and 7 are more likely to contain BPA. Ask for an email or text receipt, save paper receipts in an envelope, and wash your hands after handling them. Keep receipts away from children and put paper receipts into the trash, not into recycling.
- Phthalates: Phthalates are found in plasticizers in PVC products, cosmetics, personal care products, nail oil, and fragrances. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors, and exposure to phthalates has been linked to breast cancer, developmental issues, decreased fertility, obesity, and asthma. They have been linked to reproductive abnormalities, reduced fertility, and developmental disorders. We recommend you use Clearly software to check for harmful chemicals before purchasing. To minimize exposure to phthalates, avoid No organic food and dairy products. Also, show some vinyl toys, scented shampoo, and lotion.
- Parabens are found in cosmetics, shampoos, lotions, and other personal care products. They may mimic estrogen and have been linked to breast cancer and reproductive issues. Parabens are derived from para-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA) that occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables, such as cucumbers, cherries, carrots, blueberries, and onions. PHBA is also naturally formed in the human body by breaking some amino acids.
- Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): PFAS are found in non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, and stain-resistant fabrics. They may affect thyroid function, cholesterol levels, and immune response. Drink purified water and with recyclable bottles. Bottled waters labeled as "purified," typically filtered through reverse osmosis, contained less PFAS overall than "spring" water, which is not filtered using that method.
- Triclosan is found in antibacterial soaps, hand sanitizers, and some toothpaste. It may disrupt thyroid function and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
- Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are found in older electrical equipment, paints, and building materials (banned in many countries but persist in the environment). They are associated with cancer risk and endocrine disruption.
- Atrazine: Atrazine is a herbicide widely used in agriculture. It's a potential endocrine disruptor that can interfere with hormonal activity. Pesticide products containing atrazine are registered for use on several agricultural crops, with the highest use on field corn, sweet corn, sorghum, and sugarcane.
- Lead: Lead is found in old paint, contaminated soil, and some water pipes. It's a known neurotoxin that can also disrupt hormone functions.
- Mercury: Mercury is found in certain types of fish, dental amalgams, and some skin-lightening creams. It can alter hormonal signaling, particularly in the reproductive and nervous systems.
- Organophosphate Pesticides: Organophosphate pesticides are found in agricultural pesticides. They are linked to impaired reproductive health and developmental problems.
