Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs): What They Are, Where They Lurk, and how to Reduce Exposure
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including xenoestrogens, are found in everyday products like plastics, cosmetics, toiletries, household cleaning products, perfume, paints, carpet, furniture, food and drink packaging, food preservatives, pesticides and even our tap water! These mimic, block, or interfere with the body’s hormonal system.
They disrupt the body’s natural balance. Evidence of these effects has been observed in wildlife. For example, certain fish species have developed both male and female sex organs as a result of chemical exposure in their environments.
EDCs have been linked to numerous health conditions, including:
Infertility in both men and women
Hormonal imbalances (e.g., irregular menstruation, early puberty, endometriosis,)
Type 2 diabetes and metabolic disorders
Thyroid dysfunction
Obesity and related conditions
Hormone-related cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer
Common Sources of EDCs
EDCs are widely found in industrial products, consumer goods, and environmental pollutants. Key examples include:
BPA (Bisphenol A): Present in plastic bottles, lining of canned foods, and till receipts. BPA is a xenoestrogen, mimicking oestrogen and is to increased risk of breast cancer
Phthalates: They found in plastic packaging, shower curtains, and synthetic fragranced products such as perfumes, air fresheners and personal care products.
Parabens: Used as preservatives in cosmetics, skincare products, toothpastes, deodorants and shampoos.
PFAS: Polyfluoroalkyl chemical these, also known as ‘Forever Chemicals’ are a group of man-made chemicals that are difficult to breakdown and can stay in the environment for decades. PFAS are used in a wide variety of products, including non-stick coating on pans, nail polish, water-repellent fabrics, and medicine.
Pesticides: Residues on conventionally grown fruits, vegetables, and grains.
Flame retardants: Commonly found in furniture, carpets, electronics, and mattresses.
Non-stick cookware: Releases microplastics and harmful chemicals when scratched.
How To Reduce Exposure to EDCs
Whilst it’s almost impossible to avoid EDCs altogether, we can reduce our exposure to these through practical lifestyle changes such as follows:
Don’t store food and drinks in plastic. This includes plastic water bottles, food packaging like clingfilm, parchment baking paper and food storage containers as chemicals can easily leech into our food and drinks. Use glass storage containers, and switch to glass or stainless-steel water bottles, reusable beeswax wraps or If You Care paper snacks & sandwich bags for food wrapping, and If You Care parchment paper. Buy BPA-free canned food like Biona, or use dried beans, lentils etc.
Avoid heating food in plastic containers or pouches, particularly in microwaves. Transfer food to glass or ceramic containers before heating
Drink filtered water. Use a high-quality water filter to remove toxins including BPA, phthalates, pesticides and xenoestrogens. This will also remove chlorine and heavy metals like lead, cadmium, aluminium and mercury, which are EDCs. Purchase a water filter like Berkey, Phox, or Osmio Zero reverse osmosis (this adds essential electrolytes back in).
Increase your intake by eating plenty of fibre-rich whole grains, fruits and vegetables, including cruciferous varieties like broccoli, to help the elimination of xenoestrogens.
Include plenty of foods containing phytoestrogens into your diet i.e. non-GM fermented tofu and soya milk, miso, lentils, beans and chickpeas and flax seeds, as these help reduce xenoestrogens.
Choose organic produce fruits, vegetables and animal derived products – eggs, meat, milk and cheese – to reduce pesticide exposure. Refer to the latest dirty dozen list to identify which fruits and vegetables are most important to buy organic.
Switch to natural, eco-friendly personal care products, such as like Tropic Skincare , Dr Bronner’s Castile Soap and aluminium free Salt of the Earth or Crystal deodorant. Avoid tampons that are not organic, as these are heavily sprayed.
Use natural cleaning products, including laundry detergents and fabric softeners, such as Ecover and other eco-friendly brands available from most high-street super markets and or The Big Green Smile
Swap your non-stick cookware for stainless steel, ceramic or cast iron to avoid exposure to PFAs. Traditional non-stick frying pans release harmful substances as soon as they’re scratched. Ceramic pans are a great non-stick alternative that can last for some years, as long as you as they’re used on medium heat and stainless steel pans will last forever! I’ve just bought my first one from Our Place.
Start reading labels so you know exactly what’s in the food you’re eating and the products you’re putting on your skin and in your home.
For more practical tips on how to reduce your exposure to EDCs and other environmental toxins, have a read of Dr. Jenny Goodman’s book ‘Staying Alive in Toxic Times’.