A couple months ago, I did a comprehensive panel to check my system for chemicals and mycotoxins that may be causing fatigue. The results were startling, to say the least. Not only did I have high levels of mycotoxins, (outputs of microfungi that can causes disease and even death), I tested positive for myriad endocrine disruptors. Are you at risk? Check out 7 endocrine disruptors below, along with how to avoid them.
Endocrine Disruptors
To begin, what the heck are endocrine disruptors? Sadly, endocrine disruptors have become ubiquitous in our modern environment. Let’s start with the basics. The endocrine system produces and regulates our hormones. It controls everything from sleep, menses, fertility, and even when we are hungry. More importantly, it helps regulate our immune system.
Endocrine disruptors are just what they sound like. Substances that disrupt the proper and regular function of our endocrine system. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Services, “Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are natural or human-made chemicals that may mimic, block, or interfere with the body’s hormones, which are part of the endocrine system.” Besides disrupting the body’s natural protections and defenses, they may cause cancer, impact childhood brain development, and metabolic disorders [1a], [1b], [1c], [2], [3].
Where do these endocrine disruptors come from
Unfortunately, these can come from anywhere and everywhere. They can from our water, food supply, makeup, perfumes, pesticides, and even our mattresses. Sadly, we have created a world in which we cannot get away from these things. However, being aware of these things will help reduce the potential impact and help keep you and your family safer. The list below will help you identify places to clean up your home, environment and practices to help support the overall well-being of you and your family.
7 endocrine disruptors and how to avoid them
1. Bisphenol-A (BPA)
BPA is an organic compound used to create plastics and epoxy resins. Find BPA everywhere, including baby bottles, the inside lining of cans, plastic water bottles, and even plastic food storage containers. Due to plastic pollution and manufacturing waste, our water supply often contains BPA.
How can I avoid them?
Replace plastic food containers with glass or stainless steel. Use glass baby bottles instead of plastic. Use a re-useable glass or stainless steel water bottle instead of plastic. Look for cans that say “BPA Free” on the label. Never heat food in the microwave in plastic or you can risk increasing exposure as heat leeches more chemicals into your food. Finally, avoid touching those thermal receipts you get with every purchase, especially when they are hot.
2. Parabens
Parabens are synthetic preservatives commonly found in makeup, personal care products, and some food products to prevent the growth of mold, bacteria, and yeast. Companies like and use them because they extend the shelf life of their products, but at the expense to humans and the environment.
How can I avoid them?
When shopping for health and beauty products, read labels carefully and look for things like “butyl and propylparaben.” Find trusted brands that follow the strictest European Union Guidelines for removing harmful chemicals from products. Here at Pomona Wellness, we are huge fans of brands like Merit Beauty, RMS, and Ilia, and love the occassional splurge at Credo, for their commitment to clean beauty.
3. Heavy Metals
Heavy metals include things like lead, mercury, cadmium, copper, nickel and arsenic. The challenge with heavy metals is that some levels of things like copper and chromium are necessary for healthy function, but the dose is the poison. It’s still better to err on the side of caution so you aren’t getting the bad stuff and too much of the good stuff. Again, heavy metals are common in cosmetics, personal health products, dyes, toys, rice, large fish and even baby foods.
How can I avoid them?
We already praised our favorite clean beauty providers, but just in case, we love Merit Beauty, RMS, and Ilia, and the products at Credo. Check the labels of baby foods, avoid aluminum cookware, use a water filter, and use caution when purchasing jewelry. Try to avoid jewelry that changes your skin colors.
4. Polyfluoroalkyl (PFAs)
PFAs, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of human manufactured chemicals used for water and stain resistance. These are the “forever chemicals” you hear about, because they never break down. What’s even more troublesome is that they can be toxic in the smallest amounts (think parts per quadrillion). Find PFAs in teflon pan coatings, non-stick food packaging, and even stain-resistors used on fabric and carpets.
How can I avoid them?
This one is tough but there are ways to be smart about navigating this tricky chemical. Use a high quality water filter in your home. We love this one. Retire your scratched teflon pans to avoid unnecessary contamination. Use wooden or silicone utensils to avoid scratching teflon pans. Avoid food takeout containers as much as possible and stay away from stain-resistant fabrics and chemicals whenever possible.
5. Pesticides
Pesticides are everywhere and many of us even choose to use them on our lawns, where our kiddos like to run barefoot. The two biggest offenders are glyphosate and atrazine. Most people know glyphosate as Roundup. Atrazine is the other and it’s a commonly used commercial pesticide, primarily for corn and food crops, across the world.
How can I avoid them?
Stop using pesticides in your home, yards and gardens. Opt for less harmful bug killers, like cleaning strength vinegar or boric acid, if you need something to control pests. Buy organic as much as possible and talk to your local legislators about the regulation of commercial farming chemicals like dicamba, atrazine and 2,4-D. If it’s available to you, you can even grow your own organic fruits and veggies with little effort.
6. Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone is a chemical commonly used in sunscreens to protect the skin from UV radiation. You normally find this in products with sun protection factor (SPF) like sunscreens. In its’ nano-format, Oxybenzone easily absorbs into the skin after only one use. Pregnant women and anyone with a uterus, face the biggest risks due to the increased risks of endometriosis.
How can I avoid them?
Avoid sun protection with nano-technology, or oxybenzone. Use a physical blocking sun protectant instead. You know the ones that make your skin hazy and bright white? Those are much safer because they use Zinc and Zinc-Oxide which are physical UVF and UVB radiation blockers. These aren’t absorbed into the skin and bloodstream, unlike nano ingredients.
7. Phthalates
Phthalates increase flexibility in plastics. They are also stabilizers and preservatives for many of your favorite perfumes and fragrances. Yup, you read that right. Most of the big perfume names and brands on the market use phthalates in their products. Unfortunately, brands normally won’t disclose inclusion of these ingredients under the protection of “intellectual property.”
How can I avoid them?
Again, avoid plastic whenever possible. Are you sensing a trend here? Things like water bottles, flexible food storage containers and products listing “fragrance” on the labels. Avoid cleaning or home products with “fragrance,” in the ingredients. Try ditching the scented candles, unless scented with pure essential oils. Toss all the plug-in deodorizers and carpet refreshers. Check your labels and think twice before you spray that No 5 or Angel on your skin. If you love your perfume, look for clean and safe brands. We’re obsessed with 11 11, by Lake and Skye – always free of sulfates, parabens, and phtalates.
Finally, It can seem daunting when it comes to cleaning up your environment but you don’t have to take it all on at once. Hopefully understanding these 7 endocrine disruptors and how to avoid them, will help. Don’t forget to start small. After all, we didn’t get to this place overnight and it will take some time to clean up our environment. Maybe start by replacing your teflon frying pan that is all scratched up and buy a new bamboo spatula to go with your new pan. Try swapping a conventional perfume for something cleaner. Need some help cleaning up your world? Let us know and we can help you with a Pomona Wellness Home and Pantry Audit. Let’s chat about how we can help you lead a healthier life. Don’t forget to subscribe to Wellspiration and learn more about health and wellness.