Latest news with #EDCs
Hans India
12 hours ago
- Health
- Hans India
Today is World Environment Day: Plastic and hormones: Why women must rethink everyday choices
As the world observes Environment Day, a lesser-discussed but equally urgent health concern comes to light—how chemicals in plastics are silently disrupting women's hormonal health. From storing leftovers to sipping bottled water on the go, plastics are part of daily life. But hidden within this convenience are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)—substances that interfere with the body's natural hormone function. For women, who experience hormonal fluctuations throughout their lives, this interference can be particularly harmful. Common plastic-related EDCs like Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates are known to mimic or block estrogen and other hormones. They're present in everything from food packaging and containers to cosmetics, sanitary products, and household cleaners. The Health Impact: Quiet but Serious Research has linked prolonged exposure to these chemicals with a host of women's health issues: irregular periods, infertility, early puberty, PCOS, endometriosis, and even breast cancer. These aren't just isolated problems—they're growing public health concerns, worsened by continuous, low-level exposure over years. 'Endocrine-disrupting chemicals don't cause immediate symptoms, but their impact on the hormonal system can be profound and long-lasting, especially in women, who are hormonally more dynamic throughout life,' says Dr. Mahesh D M, Consultant – Endocrinology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore. 'Exposure during adolescence, pregnancy, or menopause can have lifelong consequences.' Unlike obvious toxins, EDCs often build up silently. They enter the body through food, touch, or even the air, gradually affecting hormonal balance. The risks are especially high during vulnerable periods like pregnancy, adolescence, and menopause. Environmental Harm Equals Hormonal Harm Environmental degradation and personal health are more connected than ever. Plastics that pollute oceans and landfills also leak harmful chemicals into food chains—and our bodies. On World Environment Day, it's important to recognise that the environmental footprint of plastic isn't just ecological—it's biological. 'In urban settings, women are frequently exposed to plastics not just through food but also through personal care products, which may contain hormone-disrupting chemicals hidden behind vague ingredient labels,' he adds. Being aware of these sources is the first step to prevention.' Women, especially in urban India, are at increased risk due to daily use of packaged goods, cosmetics, and plastic storage containers. The very products meant to offer ease and hygiene may be contributing to long-term health issues. Everyday Actions for Safer Living While complete avoidance of plastic is difficult, some small, mindful changes can go a long way in reducing exposure: • Switch to glass or stainless-steel containers for storing food and drinking water. • Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers, even if they are labeled as microwave-safe. • Opt for fragrance-free or organic personal care products, which are often more transparent about ingredients. • Reduce consumption of canned or heavily packaged foods. • Read product labels—especially on cosmetics and baby products. These habits, once adopted, can not only protect hormonal health but also reduce the household's environmental footprint. Awareness Leads to Empowerment Most women make countless daily choices for their homes and families. By choosing safer products and spreading awareness, they can lead a powerful shift toward better health and sustainability. On this World Environment Day, let's look beyond air pollution and climate change. Let's turn the lens inward—towards the products we use, the packaging we trust, and the long-term health consequences we rarely question.
Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Tadoba on alert as wild tuskers from Gadchiroli near core area
Nagpur: The forest department is closely monitoring two wild tuskers that entered the buffer zone of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) from Gadchiroli district on Friday. The elephants have since been moving along the periphery of the core area, prompting a heightened state of vigilance. TATR field director Prabhu Nath Shukla confirmed that the elephants crossed the Huma River and entered Kukadheti village in the buffer zone. "We are tracking their movement closely. As of Saturday evening, they have not entered the core area," Shukla told TOI. According to TATR officials, the elephants passed through forest compartments 808, 270A, and 270B, and were later spotted at Naleshwar Talav. By nightfall, their tracks suggested movement toward compartment 319, close to the core zone. The forest department has activated local Eco-Development Committees (EDCs) and Protection Response Teams (PRTs) to assist in monitoring and awareness efforts. Villagers are being advised to avoid solitary movements in forested areas and to remain indoors during night hours. Personnel from nearby forest ranges, along with rescue teams and the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF), have been deployed. They are using night vision devices, infrared drones, and elephant deterrents to ensure safety and to track the tuskers' route. Staff have also been stationed at elevated observation points for better visibility. Officials have urged the public not to panic or believe in rumours. Any sightings or concerns should be reported directly to the forest department.
Deccan Herald
17-05-2025
- Health
- Deccan Herald
Study flags chemical contamination risk to endangered Gangetic dolphins
Published in the journal 'Heliyon', the study by the Wildlife Institute of India found that these freshwater mammals are being exposed to a hazardous cocktail of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) through their diet.
The Print
17-05-2025
- Health
- The Print
Study flags chemical contamination risk to endangered Gangetic dolphins
The researchers analysed the dietary exposure risks of 39 EDCs in fish species consumed by Gangetic dolphins. Published in the journal 'Heliyon', the study by the Wildlife Institute of India found that these freshwater mammals are being exposed to a hazardous cocktail of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) through their diet. New Delhi, May 17 (PTI) A scientific study has revealed alarming levels of toxic chemicals in the Ganga river, threatening the health and survival of the endangered Gangetic dolphins. The findings indicate significant bioaccumulation of industrial pollutants such as di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) in the prey base of the dolphins. Residues of banned pesticides like DDT and Lindane (γ-HCH) were also detected, pointing to poor enforcement of environmental regulations in the Ganga basin. The Gangetic dolphin population has declined by over 50 per cent since 1957, and their range has shrunk by nearly a quarter, despite being designated as India's national aquatic animal. With only five species of river dolphins left globally, all of them threatened, the study warned that India could risk a repeat of the Yangtze River tragedy, where a similar species went extinct due to unchecked human activities. The study attributes the contamination to several sources: runoff from agriculture, untreated industrial effluents from the textile sector, vehicular emissions, poor solid waste management, and rising tourism in ecologically sensitive areas. The effects of EDCs are particularly worrisome as they can disrupt hormonal systems and reproductive functions in mammals, and persist in the ecosystem for long periods. Although toxicity risk quotients based on standard values were found to be low, when analysed against the reference dose – a more realistic measure of exposure risk – the dolphins were at a high risk from seven key pollutants — DEHP, DnBP, DDT, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The study recommended the urgent inclusion of these chemicals in dolphin conservation-monitoring programmes and calls for a scientifically informed national framework to assess and regulate chemical contamination in river ecosystems. The Gangetic dolphin is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, but the study stresses that protection on paper must translate into actionable policy and pollution control if the species is to survive. The research from last year was among several key documents unveiled on a new portal launched by the Ministry of Jal Shakti to promote access to ecological data and conservation insights. PTI UZM MNK MNK This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
The Sun
16-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The full list of toxic chemicals in your makeup and shampoo ‘that risk breast cancer', revealed by top UK charity
MILLIONS of women could be unknowingly increasing their risk of breast cancer by using everyday toiletries, a charity has warned. Shampoos, face creams and make-up may be harmless on their own, but when layered on the skin they could create harmful chemical combinations. 1 Breast Cancer UK says these so-called endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can interfere with the body's hormone system. This can contribute to the development of breast cancer, which kills around 11,500 people a year in the UK. A new YouGov poll for the charity found that over a quarter of UK women - around 8.5million - use at least six personal care products daily, exposing themselves to an estimated 168 different chemicals every day. 'Looking at chemicals in isolation can lead to a dangerous underestimation of their risk to public health," Gareth Lloyd-Johnson head of public affairs and policy at Breast Cancer UK said. "Regulations must be re-evaluated to better reflect our real-life exposure – no product can be viewed inside a vacuum.' With breast cancer deaths in the UK set to soar by more than 40 per cent by 2050, the charity is calling on women to ditch their daily routines if they contain these harmful chemicals. "While scientific evidence is mounting, the extent of the threat posed by chemical cocktails is still being uncovered," Dr Hannah Moody, the charity's director of research, said. As part of its Ditch The Junk campaign, Breast Cancer UK has published a list of 'no-go' ingredients - harmful chemicals commonly found in everyday toiletries The list also highlights which products are most likely to contain them, to help women make safer choices. Make-up and nail varnish are believed to contain the highest number hormone disrupting chemicals which mimic the hormone oestrogen and interfere with the body's natural balance. Breast cancer symptoms you should NEVER ignore, with Dr Philippa Kaye According to the charity, many of these products include at least two of the top three EDCs to avoid: parabens, phthalates and synthetic parfums. Phthalates, often used to strengthen plastics, are found in nail varnish, shampoos and hairsprays. When applied to the skin, they can be absorbed into the body and disrupt normal hormonal function — raising the risk of breast cancer. These substances are often listed on ingredients labels as 'parfum' or 'fragrance', as they are commonly added to make scents last longer. Another category to be wary of are face creams and moisturisers, which are likely to contain a high number of parabens. These can penetrate the skin and boost oestrogen production, linked to higher breast cancer risk. While many parabens have been banned due to their hormone-disrupting effects, other endocrine disruptors still lurk in everyday beauty products, warns the charity. Breast Cancer UK also warns against synthetic fragrances, which commonly contain musk ketone, benzyl salicylate, and diethyl phthalate - chemicals known to harm the female reproductive system and increase breast cancer risk. To reduce exposure, the charity urges women to simplify their beauty routines and choose fragrance-free products whenever possible. Check your breasts Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, making up a sixth of all cases. Three in four women survive at least 10 years after diagnosis - a rate that has doubled over the past 50 years thanks to better screening and awareness. Women are urged to check their breasts regularly for signs such as lumps or swelling in the breast, chest or armpit, changes in skin texture, size or shape, nipple discharge (especially with blood), nipple changes, or ongoing pain. These symptoms aren't always cancer, but anyone noticing them should see their GP to be safe.
