Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals: How Everyday Products Are Harming Fertility and Health
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To reduce the exposure of these toxic and harmful substances, you can choose healthier and less toxic options.
Endocrine disrupting chemicals are a group of chemicals that are found in a variety of consumables that we use on a daily basis, starting from the food we eat, to the containers we use, to even the cosmetics like soap, perfumes, shampoos, and deodorants. These chemicals have an impact on the endocrine system directly or indirectly because they mimic natural hormonal production inside the body, like for example hormones like oestrogen and testosterone. These chemicals not only mimic, but they also block the hormonal receptors and alter the metabolism of these hormones inside the human body. At the cellular level, these chemicals can even alter the genetic expression of our hormones. Dr Rajani C Senior Consultant, Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, MGM Healthcare Chennai shares all you need to know:
The common ingredients in our consumables that are EDCs are generally found in the plastics that we use they typically contain bisphenols or phthalates which are BPAs. Sometimes we use products that have pesticides in them like DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) or Atrazine. Coming to cosmetics like shampoos or deodorants they may contain parabens, sulphates, or triclosan. Not just these even the utensils we use to cook like the non-stick cookware which have a Teflon coating are also going to release these endocrine disrupting chemicals.
As these endocrine disrupting chemicals have a direct impact on the endocrine system and the endocrine system are the major controllers of fertility. So, the impact of these chemicals is directly in the fertility levels of both men and women. In men, they reduce the testosterone levels, there is going to be reduced libido, reduced sperm count concentration and motility, further impacts are felt especially when we use BPA plastics or pesticides.
Coming to the female counterpart, there is an increased risk of ovulatory dysfunction and accelerated ovarian aging. For women who are pregnant there may be an increased chances of either implantation failure or miscarriage.
So, when somebody is going to buy a product, whether it is a cosmetic product or a container or any consumable for that matter, check the ingredients, you must watch out for these chemicals which can be potential EDCs. For example, a plastic container it should be BPA free. Cosmetic products make sure they are sulphate, phthalates, and paraben free; they do not contain triclosan or other potentially harmful chemicals. Coming to the cookware always prefer stainless steel, cast iron, aluminium, or glassware compared to non-stick cookware.
Organic or natural products are comparatively safer options to use because they will have very low levels of pesticides and EDCs. It is a better natural and healthier alternative.
To reduce the exposure of these toxic and harmful substances, you can choose healthier and less toxic options.
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