There are more than 85,000 manufactured chemicals in use in the United States. Some of the most damaging to your health are known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals. They are found in everyday products and through out the environment. Research spanning the last 25 years point towards endocrine disruptors as being the source of many health problems including obesity and diabetes, neurological disorders, breast cancer, reproductive disorders, immune disorders, liver cancer, osteoporosis, prostate cancer, and thyroid disorders. In addition, they promote estrogen dominance in both men and women. Recent studies have shown that exposure to common hormone-disrupting chemicals in consumer products during pregnancy results in a lower IQ in children by age 7. Here’s what you need to know about these hidden toxins.
Your Endocrine System
The endocrine system is made up of all the body’s different hormones. It regulates all biological processes in the body from conception through old age for both humans and animals. It controls development of the reproductive system, the brain and nervous systems, blood sugar levels, and the functioning of your metabolism. This is why exposure to hidden toxins is so problematic for children as their bodies are developing.
Plastics
Bisphenol F (BPF) is one of the replacement chemicals found in BPA-free plastics. And studies have shown that it is the most potent household chemical tied to lowering the IQ in children. Another BPA replacement chemical is BPS. These chemicals are most commonly used to make certain plastics, epoxy resins, and on thermal cash register receipts. It is estimated that 93% of Americans have BPA in their body. It mimics estrogen in the body and promotes estrogen dominance. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) lists BPA in their dirty dozen endocrine disruptors list. To avoid these hidden toxins, look for products and packaging that say they are BPA, BPF, and BPS free. But be wary of products and packaging that are only labeled BPA free, because the replacement plastics often contain BPF and/or BPS.
Phthalates are another endocrine disruptor. It is used to make plastic soft or to make personal care products and fragrances stick to your body longer. The EWG reports that studies have shown that phthalates can trigger what’s known as “death-inducing signaling” in testicular cells, making them die earlier than they should. Synthetic fragrances are bad enough by themselves, but the addition of phthalates makes them even worse. To avoid phalates, you will also want to avoid plastic wrap and plastic food containers, along with vinyl flooring.
Weed Killers and Pesticides
Atrazine is a common weed killer that has been shown in lab tests to turn male frogs into female frogs that can produce viable eggs. It is widely used on corn crops across the United States which has caused it to show up in our water supply, and often at higher levels than is considered safe. The best way to avoid this toxin is to eat organic and use a water filter that is designed to remove atrazine.
Pesticides containing organophosphates are the most commonly used type of pesticide. Yhey target the nervous systems of the bugs that are eating the plants that are being grown for food. They are known to adversely affect brain development, behavior and fertility. To avoid this class of hidden toxins, grow or buy organic food.
Flame Retardants
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers or PBDEs, are widely used. They are most commonly used as a flame retardant in fabrics, even though they have not be found to be very effective. They’ve been found to contaminate the bodies of people and wildlife around the globe – even polar bears. They have also been found in the breast milk of women around the globe. You can reduce your exposure to PBDEs by not reupholstering old furniture and buying new furniture that has been manufactured after Jan 1, 2015 and is labeled saying that it does not contain flame retardants. Old carpet, old carpet padding and old rugs may also contain flame retardants, so be careful removing them.
Heavy Metals
Lead, arsenic, and mercury are the most common heavy metals that we are routinely exposed to. Lead has been removed from modern day paint, but be careful if you are living or remodeling an older house. It is also commonly found in drinking water at unsafe levels. It is commonly linked to permanent brain damage, lowered IQ, miscarriages, and more. Arsenic can cause skin, bladder and lung cancer, and is often found in drinking water. Mercury ends up in the air and water primarily from coal burning. It binds directly to a particular woman’s hormone that is responsible for the menstrual cycle and ovulation. Mercury is now commonly found in fish. The EWG has a list of fish grouped by the amount of mercury they contain so that you can choose wisely. You can avoid consuming heavy metals in your water by filtering it.
Non-Stick Surfaces
Perfluorinated Chemicals (PFCs) are used to make non-stick cookware and utensils, and stain resistant fabric. It is also used on the inside of popcorn bags, fast food packaging and in waterproof gear. It is estimated that 99% of Americans have this in their body. It is linked to decreased sperm count, low birth rate, kidney, thyroid disease, and more. The best way to avoid these hidden toxins is to avoid the products described in this paragraph.
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