Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are being added more and more to the contents of everyday products, such as plastics, cosmetics, food packages, cleaning products of the house, and personal care products. The chemicals have the ability of disrupting the hormonial system of the body in terms of growth, metabolism, reproduction, and thyroid activity.
BPA and certain phthalates, parabens and PFAS are used in imitating (or blocking) other natural hormones, even at lower levels of exposure. Prolonged exposure, e.g. since childhood has been attributed to early puberty, infertility, thyroid diseases, insulin resistance, obesity, and developmental difficulties.
The issue is moral cumulative exposure. Although single products might be safe, the constant use of them daily forms a sort of hormonal strain which might go unnoticed. Lacking proper regulation, ambiguous labeling as well as lack of awareness to the general population is letting these chemicals to continue to be used extensively.
Less exposure should be reduced by means of safer product selection, clear labeling, and increased standards of regulation to safeguard the long-term hormonal health. Hormonal systems are fragile–and daily routine is important, not to be underestimated.
Do you read the labels on products of hormone-disrupting chemical, or do you think regular products are safe?
MBH/PS