You’ve probably heard the buzz about plastics and their potential risks, especially for children. But what exactly are these risks, and why are certain chemicals, known as endocrine disruptors, gaining attention? As a parent, it’s natural to want to make the best choices for your family, but it can feel overwhelming to navigate the sea of information out there.
Understanding what endocrine disruptors are, where they’re commonly found, and the potential health risks they pose is key to making informed decisions. By gaining knowledge and considering a few practical strategies you can choose to take steps to reduce exposure while keeping a balanced perspective for your family’s health.
What are endocrine disruptors?
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that can interfere with the body’s hormone systems. Hormones are like messengers that regulate everything from growth and metabolism to reproduction and mood. Endocrine disruptors can mimic or block these hormones when they enter the body. These disruptors can come from natural sources, like plants, or be synthetic and found in many everyday products.
Common endocrine disruptors
Endocrine disruptors can be found in many of the products we use daily, making it difficult to avoid them completely. Over 1,000 individual endocrine disruptors have been identified. However, understanding where they are most commonly found can help you take small steps to reduce exposure.
- BPA (Bisphenol A): Found in polycarbonate plastics, including water bottles, food packaging, some toys, and some baby bottles.
- Phthalates and parabens: These are used in plasticizers for food packaging, cosmetics, and children’s toys.
- Lead: Can still be present in older homes, older toys, and contaminated soil.
- Tea tree oil and lavender oil: Often found in skin care products.
- Oxybenzone: Common in certain sunscreens
- Soy-based products: They contain phytoestrogens, which are chemicals produced by plants that can mimic estrogen in the body.
How do endocrine disruptors affect the body?
Endocrine disruptors interfere with the body’s hormone systems by mimicking hormones like estrogen, blocking normal hormone activity, or altering hormone levels. Endocrine disruptors can affect how hormones are made, broken down, or stored, leading to imbalances. Additionally, they can change how sensitive the endocrine system is to various hormones, increasing or decreasing their effects. This is particularly concerning for pregnant women, infants, and young children who are more vulnerable to these hormonal disruptions during important stages of growth and development.
Potential health effects of endocrine disruptors
It’s important to note that the research is ongoing; however, there is evidence that high exposure to endocrine disruptors can increase the risk of certain health issues. There is less evidence on what the actual safe levels are for people. As more research is available, the risks will become clearer.
During pregnancy, research suggests that endocrine disruptors can cross the placenta, leading to low birth weight, thyroid dysfunction, and neurological disorders. Exposure to chemicals like BPA has been linked to early puberty, reproductive malformations, and infertility risks, as well as reproductive cancers. Endocrine disruptors are also associated with metabolic disorders, such as obesity and insulin resistance, and conditions like gynecomastia.
While these risks can seem alarming, it’s important to acknowledge that most recommendations are aimed at reducing cumulative exposure rather than attempting to eliminate every source of endocrine disruptors.
Practical tips for reducing exposure to endocrine disruptors
Like many health-related concerns, it’s important to respect the research and make mindful choices to reduce risk, understanding that it’s impossible to completely eliminate exposure to endocrine disruptors. The key is to lower risk where possible, remembering that the dose often makes the difference, meaning that issues tend to arise from overconsumption or repeated exposure rather than occasional use.
Focus on practical ways to reduce exposure without feeling overwhelmed. Start by choosing what feels reasonable and worth it for your family– small changes can make a big difference in minimizing exposure while maintaining a balanced approach.
Food and storage:
- Avoid heating in plastic: Swap out plastic containers for glass or stainless steel, especially when heating food. If using plastic, make sure it’s labeled “BPA-free.”
- Use BPA-free baby products: Choose infant bottles and toys labeled “BPA-free,” or consider using glass bottles to reduce exposure.
- Wash produce thoroughly: Pesticides can carry endocrine disruptors. Rinse fruits and vegetables well, or use a baking soda and water solution to minimize residues.
Skincare and Personal care products:
- Choose mineral sunscreens: chemical sunscreens can contain oxybenzone, so consider mineral-based sunscreen made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
- Check labels for “Phthalate-Free” or “Paraben-Free”: Opt for personal care products that do not caintain these chemicals.
- Be cautious with essential oils: Avoid the use of topical formulations of tea tree and lavender oils in children. These can contain chemicals with estrogenic/androgenic properties, and repeated use of these oils has been linked to breast growth in prepubertal girls and boys.
Around the home:
- Limit plastic toys: especially older or hand-me-down plastic toys, as they may contain higher levels of harmful chemicals.
- Reduce lead exposure: If you live in an older home, test for lead paint and make sure that any peeling paint is addressed.
- Choose flame-retardant-free items: if possible, avoid products treated with flame retardants, which can also act as endocrine disruptors.
Keeping a balanced perspective
The goal isn’t to eliminate every single source of endocrine disruptors from your life—that would be nearly impossible. Instead, focus on reducing repeated exposure in key areas. Remember, the “dose makes the poison.” Overexposure is when problems are likely to occur, not from occasional contact with things like receipts or plastic water bottles.
It’s easy to get swept up in fear, especially with the constant stream of new research on potential health risks. But balance is key. Make mindful choices that fit your family’s lifestyle and needs, and don’t feel pressured to overhaul everything all at once.
Watch the PedsDocTalk YouTube Videos HERE!
