The endocrine system consists of hormone-producing glands as well as receptors that enable organs and tissues throughout the body to respond to these hormones. The endocrine system helps regulate important bodily functions, including growth anddevelopment, metabolism, and reproduction.  

Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with the body’s endocrine system by disrupting hormone balance in the body and mimicking the effects of certain hormones. Normally, hormones bind to receptors in the body in order to elicit an appropriate response. When harmful endocrine-disrupting chemicals bind to hormone receptors instead, it can be harmful to organ systems and allow disease processes to ensue.

Where are endocrine disruptors found?

Endocrine disruptors can be found in everyday products such as plastic containers and bottles, metal food cans linings, cleaning products, personal care products, flame retardants, toys, food, and pesticides. Some endocrine-disrupting chemicals break down gradually and remain hazardous to health over time as a result. Endocrine disrupting chemicals can enter the body through the skin (e.g., after applying certain deodorants), orally by consuming contaminated foods or drinking contaminated water, and through inhalation (e.g., perfumes, tobacco smoke).

Adverse health effects of endocrine disruptors 

Endocrine disruptors can have negative health implications on many body functions, including development, reproduction, immune function, and brain function. The following health effects or conditions may be associated with exposure to endocrine disruptors based on animal, in vitro, and in vivo studies:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)

• Infertility
• Certain types of cancer
• Metabolic disorders (e.g.,diabetes)
• Impaired growth and development

Common endocrine disrupting chemicals and their sources:

Bisphenol A (BPA) - A chemical used to produce hard plastic such as polycarbonate

• Canned beverages
• Canned food liners
• Dental sealants
• Kids toys
• Medical equipment
• Microwaveable food products
• Plastic food storage containers
• Plastic tableware
• Reusable water bottles
• Thermal paper receipts

Dioxins
Chemicals that have chlorine atoms
as part of their structure, are commonly emitted during fuel-burning processes, and can be found in food, water, soil, and air

• Air during iron and steel production
• Air during the combustion of coal, oil, or wood
• Contaminated drinking water
• Dairy products
• Electrical power generation
• Fish and shellfish
• Meat
• Tobacco
• Fragrances in candles, plug-ins, room & auto fresheners
• Carpet fresheners
• Fabric refresher sprays
• Chemicals that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as limonene
• Air fresheners
• Cleaning products
• Hand sanitizers
• Laundry supplies (most every laundry detergent, fabric softener, and fragrance beads)
• Personal care products
• Soaps
• Parabens
• Chemicals that are used as preservatives
• Cosmetics
• Food products
• Pharmaceuticals products
• Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) / Teflon
• Groundwater
• Firefighting foams
• Industrial products
• Microwave popcorn
• Non-stick cookware Paper
• Soil
• Textile coatings
• Waterproof clothing
• Phthalates - A group of chemicals used to make plastics flexible
• Detergents
• Diapers
• Food packaging
• Kids toys
• Personal care products (e.g., cosmetics nail polish, shampoo)
• Sanitary napkins, tampons, and incontinence wear
• Vinyl flooring
• Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) - A chemical that’s used as a flame retardant
• Adhesives and sealants
• Appliances
• Automobile materials
• Carpet underlay
• Building materials
• Electrical equipment
• Furniture foam
• Mattresses, except natural latex
• Rubber products, some
• Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) - Chemicals that break down slowly, are traditionally found in industrial materials, and are used to manufacture coolants or lubricants for electrical equipment such as capacitors and transformers
• Adhesives and tapes
• Caulking
• Electrical equipment
• Fiberglass
• Fluorescent light ballasts
• Foam
• Oil-based paint Inks
• Plastics Sealants
• Triclosan: A chemical with antimicrobial and antifungal activity in: Liquid body washes, Hand sanitizer, Household Cleaning products, Antibacterial Dish detergent & Hand wash, Mouthwash, Surgical soaps, and Toothpaste
• Xenoestrogens - Chemicals that may mimic estrogen in the body and interfere with the hormone’s intended actions
• Coolants
• Food preservatives
• Pesticides
• Pharmaceuticals
• Plastics
• UV filters (chemical sunscreens)
• Perfumes (except most natural essential oils)