Endocrine Disruptors : What are they & how to reduce our exposure ( and why we should).

29 May

Introduction
Part 1. Background
Part 2. The situation in Australia
Part 3. The big names of EDCs
Part 4. How to limit my exposure
Conclusion

INTRODUCTION

“Endocrine disruptors” (EDCs) is a term you may have heard before. It describes mostly synthetic chemicals which once in our body interfere with our hormones (the endocrine system).

Hormones are messengers synthesised in our glands (eg. gonads, adrenal or thyroid glands). They travel in our blood in minuscule concentrations, link to the specific receptors of target cells, and impact their function. They regulate our growth, the development and function of our organs, the behaviour of our cells, our fertility, our immune system…. basically everything.

There is an estimated 800+ EDCs capable of interfering with our endocrine system by linking to receptors, or messing with hormone synthesis, conversion and signalling. This is especially relevant during key phases of cell and organ development, meaning infants, adolescents, pregnant or breastfeeding women are more at risk.

Endocrine disorders include:
- low semen quality and fertility in young men
- genital malformations, such as non-descending testes and penile malformations
- premature birth and low birth weight
- neurobehavioural disorders associated with thyroid disruption in children (autism, attention deficit disorders and learning disabilities)
- endocrine-related cancers (breast, endometrial, ovarian, prostate, testicular and thyroid)
- earlier onset of breast development in young girls, which is a risk factor for breast cancer
- PCOS, Endometriosis and other female genital disorders
- obesity and type-2 diabetes. (10)

Studies have confirmed that EDCs are a cause of many of these disorders (in humans, wild animals and pets), and of their increased incidence.

These EDCs are used virtually everywhere:

In agriculture ( as growth promoters, pesticides & wetting agents),
In children’s toys, PVC plastic and food storage (as plasticisers),
In textiles, clothing and furnishings (as flame-retardants),
In non-stick coatings (think kitchen pans, sportswear, anti-staining cleaning products…),
In food (think emulsifiers, preservatives, colourings, anti-caking agents, pesticide traces etc.)
In cosmetics (as preservatives, fragrances, stabilisers etc.) (1).

We are exposed to them through the air and dust we breath, the food we eat, the creams, makeup and clothes we put on our skin, through the carpet we play on, the couch we lie on, the paint on our walls, the pan we cook with. Some accumulate in our liver and kidneys, in our mammary tissues, in our cells, alter our DNA. They are passed on to developing foetuses through the placenta, to small children through breast milk.
So while we can’t completely avoid them, we can limit them in our direct environment. This is especially important as Australia is 10-15 years behind Europe and the US when it comes to the legislations surrounding the use of such harmful chemicals.

PART 1 -BACKGROUND

In 2016, an article in Nature Review pointed out the irreversibility of EDCs’ interference with hormones during key phases of development; including sexual differentiation in foetal life, brain development (for which adequate levels of thyroid hormones are crucial) and resistance to cancer (especially hormone-related ones such as breast cancer). The same year, a report in the Lancet, assessed EDCs to cost $340 billion to the US economy (2.33% of GDP), and 195 billion euros to Europe (1.28% of GDP), because of their impact on population health.

Exposure to these chemicals is ubiquitous. A 2011 French study found quantifiable amounts of Bisphenol A (BPA), some phthalates, pesticides (mainly pyrethroids), dioxins, furans, polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs), brominated flame retardants (BFRs), perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) and metals in almost 100% of tested pregnant women (2)….. despite some of these chemicals having been banned for years.

*Phthalates (often referred to a as plasticisers) are a group of chemicals commonly used to make plastics more flexible, and are found in children’s toys, food containers, garbage bags & cling film etc.
** Bisphenol A (aka. BPA) is present in plastic bottles, the lining of tin cans, “squeezy” food packaging, CDs, DVDs…

With an increased understanding of how these chemicals impact our health, many nations in Europe and around the world are working to phase out their usage.

Triazine herbicides has been banned in France since 2001 (Atrazine is the most known herbicide of this class- it pollutes water systems, degrades into DEA, a more toxic chemical, is lethal to many algae and fish, and is suspected to impair human reproduction).
In 2013, Europe passed a continent-wide ban on thiamethoxam, clothianidin and imidacloprid, 3 neonicotinoids pesticides which caused serious harm to bees.
Glyphosate (aka. Monsanto’s roundup) is a systemic herbicide used to kill weeds in modified glyphosate-resistant crops (GMO). It is the most used herbicide worldwide. However, in the last 5 years, many nations have banned its use, including Portugal, Columbia, Argentina, Belgium, Qatar, India…and France since November 2019 (5).
Most of these bans were introduced following the 2015 IARC report (6) on glyphosate, which stated that it was a “probable human carcinogen”, and especially associated to non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other hematopoietic cancers.
Other studies have linked glyphosate to ADHD, Alzheimer’s Disease, Autism, Birth Defects, Celiac Disease, Colitis, Heart Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome, Kidney Disease, Liver Disease, and Parkinson’s Disease. (5)

PART 2 – THE SITUATION IN AUSTRALIA

In 2013, under the intense lobbying from chemical companies and big agricultural interests, the Coalition government revoked Labor’s changes to the APVMA – Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (the Commonwealth agricultural veterinary chemical regulator), which required chemicals to be re-registered every 15 years, after their reassessment using contemporary testing methodologies.

This means that some chemicals used in Australia, such as organophosphates pesticides (neurotoxins banned in both the EU and US), have never been reassessed since they were registered in the 1960s and 1970s, to assess, with advanced knowledge, if they are safe.

Furthermore, rather than stipulating that a pesticide must be proven safe before it can be sold, Australian law states that there must be conclusive scientific evidence that a pesticide is unsafe before it can be banned (in other words, any pesticide can be used until proven harmful to humans…. one would like to point out that by the time this becomes evident, it is too late?) and because testing the effects of a pesticide on humans and the environment is a long and expensive process, the shortness of Australia’s list of banned pesticides comes to no surprise. (8)

Because of this “loophole”, 80 pesticides banned overseas are still largely used in Australia (many of them on crops for human consumption), including carcinogens, hormone disruptors, and chemicals classified as highly hazardous or extremely dangerous by the World Health Organisation. (8) Atrazine for example, has been banned in France since 2001, due to the threats it poses to human health (especially fertility) and their “generalised presence” in water supplies- but is still sanctioned in Australia.

In the industrial chemical sector, the denial of harm continues, and assessment is even less adequate or rigorous.
One example is the flame retardants PFOS/PFOA which have been used in military and other airports. The Australian government relied upon outdated 2008 data, rather than contemporary USA assessment data to set a tolerable daily intake 75 times higher than the USA.
PFOA/PFOS virtually never breakdown, and accumulate in tissues, and are endocrine disruptors linked to cancer, liver & thyroid disease, immune suppression and decreased fertility (1).

PART 3: THE BIG NAMES OF EDCS

Back to the point- the universal agreement is that the synthetic chemicals around us, these Endocrine disruptors are making us ill. Pesticides are a massive one, because they pollute the air, soil and water systems. They are however not the only chemicals included in the broad umbrella of “EDCs”. Phthalates, Bisphenols, PFAs & co. are other names worth remembering.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is used in the production of certain plastics and resins. It is found in polycarbonate plastics (including food & drink containers), the lining of cans, in plastic packaging and thermal paper (ie. receipts). It has been linked to breast and other cancers, reproductive and fertility issues, obesity, and early puberty. Given the lack of transparency in the market, it’s nearly impossible to know where BPA and other similarly concerning replacement chemicals are being used. But there are ways to reduce your exposure.(9)
Phthalates are chemicals, “plasticisers”, often used to increase the flexibility and strength of plastic. They are found in cling film (plastic wrap), children’s toys, PVC plastic, flooring, nail polish and fragrances (perfume & air freshener). Some dangerous phthalates have been banned in cosmetics and children’s toys in Europe, and toys in the US. But only one phthalate has been banned in Australian toys (10). They are Studies have linked phthalates to defects in the male reproductive system, lower sperm count, lower sperm motility, miscarriages, and gestational diabetes (9), as well as endometriosis and early puberty in girls (10).

Chemical UV filters found in sunscreen and cosmetics with sun protection, chemical UV filters, such as OMC ( octyl methoxycinnamate ), 4-MBC and benzophenone 3 (also called oxybenzone), have been found in some studies to have developmental and reproductive effects, as well as thyroid effects (OMC). Many cosmetics contain a combination of these products with others, such as parabens (toxic cocktail).
Parabens: are preservatives used in cosmetics, and have reported oestrogenic activity. The bigger the molecule, the bigger the effect. Danish government has therefore banned the use of some of the larger-molecule parabens (propyl-, isopropyl-, butyl- and isobutyl-parabens) in products for children up to three years old as a precautionary measure, as children might be especially vulnerable to endocrine effects. This is of particular concern if products are used on broken skin, such as nappy rash.
“PFAS” includes more than 4,700 chemicals (such as PFOA), some linked to cancer, thyroid disease, weakened immunity, developmental defects and reproductive disorders.
These nonstick, waterproof, grease-resistant chemicals are used to make cookware, waterproof clothing, coatings on upholstered furniture and carpeting, as well as in food packaging, cleaning products and cosmetics. (9) PFAS are also used in firefighting foams, and can contaminate soil and water supplies near military bases, airports and other places where firefighting training takes place. In Australia, the federal government has offered some support including blood testing and counselling to communities living near three major contamination sites in Katherine (Northern Territory), Oakey (Queensland) and Williamtown (NSW), although it denies that PFAS has an adverse effect on health. (10)
Triazine pesticides (eg. Atrazine) and other highly hazardous pesticides (such as glyphosate/roundup) are widely used in Australia, mainly on crops (maize, canola, sugarcane) as well as golf courses and pastures. Consequently, they are pervasive contaminants, found in water systems & soil. Research shows that even low level exposure to atrazine can turn male frogs into females that produce viable eggs. Human health studies has linked atrazine to various cancers, Parkinson’s disease & decreased male fertility. It was banned in France in 2001.
Flame retardants are everywhere: in mattresses, upholstered furniture, foam cushions, baby car seats, insulation, and electronics. These chemicals have been linked to hormone disruption, cancer, and attention and IQ deficits in children. Though the most toxic ones have been phased out in the US (and who knows in AUS), they have been replaced by poorly studied alternatives that also could harm health.
Perchlorate is a component of rocket fuel, is an endocrine disruptor that interferes with the thyroid gland. When perchlorate gets into your body, it competes with the nutrient iodine, which the thyroid gland needs to make thyroid hormones. These hormones regulate metabolism in adults and are critical for proper brain and organ development in infants and young children. Perchlorate contaminates drinking water and food. High amounts are found in dairy products, because cows, like breastfeeding mothers, accumulate perchlorate in their milk.

PART 4 – HOW CAN I LIMIT MY EXPOSURE TO EDCS?

In the Kitchen:

Buy a water filter. Reverse Osmosis ones work best.
- Make sure it has a HEPA filter, and is effective against pesticides, perchlorate, PFAS, metals, bacteria etc. (all that good stuff), as well as being phthalate & BPA free.
Consume organic produce (free of pesticides, which include HHP in Australia).
- Especially “the dirty dozen” (the veg with the most pesticide residues) which includes strawberries, spinach, kale, nectarines, apples, grapes, cherries, pears, potatoes, tomatoes, chillis.
- If you cannot buy organic, chose produce which have the fewest pesticide residues, such as onions, frozen green peas, eggplants, melons, avocados, kiwis, cauliflower, mushrooms (the clean 15).
- While organic food is expensive & hard to obtain in Australia, it is probably the most important country in which to do so, since dangerous pesticides are still in use.
- For processed foods, a great app is “Yuka”, which rates and explains the different ingredients/chemicals present in a specific product.
Avoid bringing food or water in contact with plastics (and never microwave food in a plastic container!!), especially the ones marked with a “PC” for polycarbonate, or recycling label #7 and #3 (not all of these plastics contain BPA or phthalates, but many do).
This includes plastic containers, but also cling film, shopping bags, packaging…
- Instead use glass, ceramic or metal containers, try to shop in bulk (avoid food packaged in plastic), have reusable/mesh shopping bags, rinse your food thoroughly…
- Next time you’re about cover a plate of leftovers with cling film, just use a 2nd plate to cover it instead. Italian style.
Make sure you are getting enough iodine in your diet (ie. by eating iodized salt) to counter balance the effect of perchlorate.
Do not use nonstick pans and kitchen utensils (eg. Teflon) that are manufactured with PFOAS. If you are unsure wether or not your pan is PFOA-free, use it at low temperature only, and if the coating is peeling, throw it away.
Never heat food in the can. (Transfer it to a pot or pan for stove-top cooking or a glass container for microwaving.), as the interior lining of cans usually contain BPA.
- Lookout for “BPA free cans”, available in some places.
Pop popcorn on a stovetop. Microwaveable popcorn bags are usually coated with PFAS chemicals on the inside. Similarly, fast food often comes in PFAS-treated wrappers and food packaging.

In the bathroom

For girls, consider switching from tampons to a (BPA free) cup. The chemicals used in the fabrication of tampons are poorly regulated, and usually include dioxin (a biproduct of bleach), fragrances, pesticide residues…. all of which have endocrine disrupting & carcinogenic properties.
Check the ingredient list of everything which touches your skin: from deodorant, to soap, shampoo to moisturising cream, toothpaste, make up (foundation, mascara, bronzer, eyeliner etc.), shaving gel…. Some great apps to understand what is in your cosmetics are “Think Dirty” “Clean Beauty” and “Yuka”, which rate and explain the different ingredients/chemicals present in a specific product.
- examples include petroleum in paw paw cream– a carcinogenic chemical banned in food… but still allowed on your lips!!!, or BHT in foundation- a known endocrine disruptor which impacts thyroid function.
Check your sunscreen! (again, Clean Beauty, Think dirty and Yuka are handy). Many include chemical UV filters (such as OMC, 4-MBC and oxybenzone ) which are carcinogenic and suspected endocrine disruptors. Instead opt for sunscreens with mineral filters such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (a brand in France is Acorelle, available in Biocoop).
Eliminate the fragrances: from smelly candles, bath bombs to toilet sprays & toilet paper, our bathrooms are bursting with chemicals (and are sometimes poorly ventilated). So check the ingredients and chuck all the nasties….

Consumables:

Say no to receipts, since thermal paper is often coated with BPA.
Avoid brands like Scotchgard, Stainmaster (which contains PFAs) and instead favour eco-friendly cleaning products (grey water safe, phthalates and PFAs free) there are alternatives (both in store and homemade) for everything, from laundry and dishwashing liquids to surface cleaners.
Avoid brands such as Polartec, or Gore-Tex in favour of organic cotton, linen & hemp clothing (natural fibres)
- waterproof, repellant surfaces usually contain PFAs.
Avoid plastic children’s toys (some phthalates are already banned in kid’s products, but this is considerably less regulated in Australia than in the US & EU)
Avoid products that list phthalates as an ingredient as well as those that list “fragrance.”
- Keep in mind that fragrance can show up in unexpected places, like diapers and garbage bags.
Check item labels, often located under cushions or on the bottom of the piece of furniture, to make sure it was made without flame retardants (If you purchased your furniture before 2015, there’s a good chance the manufacturer treated the cushion foam with toxic flame-retardant chemicals.)
- Wash your hands frequently using soap and water. This is especially important before meals and for babies and young children who put their fingers in their mouths.
- Vacuum with a HEPA filter and dust with a wet rag frequently to prevent flame retardants and other harmful chemicals from building up in your home.
- Take proper precautions when replacing old carpet as the padding underneath may contain fire retardants.
Skip the optional stain-repellent treatment on new carpets and furniture.
- Many of these coatings are made with PFAS chemicals.

CONCLUSION

First of all, well done for making it to the bottom of the page. The subject of EDCs is vast, with so many studies and varying opinions that it is difficult to keep it brief.

The main take away is that while these chemicals (which a large majority of scientists agrees are harmful to our healths and to the ones of future generations) are omnipresent – it is possible to limit our direct exposure, to be mindful.

We won’t ever manage to be fully “EDC-free”, since these chemicals have permeated our soils, polluted our water reserves, lie in the construction of our houses. But if we were to control the quality of the food we eat, the cosmetics we put on our skin, the materials we build our house with, the objects and products we bring into our homes- that would already be a massive step. And while making changes actively comes at an initial cost (the one of more expensive organic veg, of replacing cleaning products, non-stick pans, buying a water filter….), it is a cost I am willing to make if it adds a few healthy years to my life, or diminishes the odds of having cancer.

Importantly, I think there are enough studies and international reports out there to treat EDCs as a real threat to our healths. Waiting for, or placing our faith in, a government who refuses to acknowledge this would be a great shame.

References

(1) http://theconversation.com/endocrine-disrupting-chemicals-is-there-any-larger-more-neglected-health-problem-70586

(2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27788374

(3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3002199/

(4) https://www.senat.fr/rap/l02-215-2/l02-215-241.html

(5) https://www.baumhedlundlaw.com/toxic-tort-law/monsanto-roundup-lawsuit/where-is-glyphosate-banned/

(6) https://www.baumhedlundlaw.com/toxic-tort-law/monsanto-roundup-lawsuit/iarc-glyphosate-monograph/

(7) https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/apr/29/bee-harming-pesticides-banned-europe

(8) https://www.alphaenvironmental.com.au/7-fast-facts-pesticides-australia/

(9) https://goop.com/wellness/food-planet/6-of-the-most-common-endocrine-disruptors-and-how-to-avoid-them/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social-earned&utm_campaign=onsite-share-button&fbclid=IwAR23PbaVjuE8tMpxezz4Cv7N-dUxVjTbADFmOv03FuGY-ATxF94FId-IFGc

(10) https://www.choice.com.au/health-and-body/beauty-and-personal-care/skin-care-and-cosmetics/articles/endocrine-disrupting-chemicals

Information on Highly Hazardous Pesticides: http://pan-international.org/wp-content/uploads/PAN_HHP_List.pdf