Ways to Avoid Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals

Introduction

Some chemicals used in plastics and cosmetics have the tendency to disrupt the actions of hormones. Hormones are chemicals that are essential for the normal growth and development of the body. The blood carries hormones, which act on various organs for the proper functioning of the body. In this article, the harmful effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals are described.

What Are Hormones?

Hormones are chemical messengers that are secreted from the endocrine glands directly into the blood. The endocrine system is a system of organs and glands that secrete hormones. The endocrine system works with other organs and systems of the body to maintain the body’s healthy function throughout life. The blood carries the hormones to the organs and tissues of the body to execute their functions. The hormones are responsible for the metabolism, development, growth, and functioning of the body. The hormones do the following functions in the body:

• Reproduction and sexual growth.

• Mood and cognitive functions.

• Thirst.

• Maintenance of body temperature.

What Are the Endocrine-Disrupting Compounds?

Endocrine-disrupting compounds are exogenous agents that interfere with the secretion, synthesis, metabolism, and transport of hormones present in the body. They interfere with the way hormones work by increasing or decreasing the levels of hormones by affecting their way of metabolism and storage in the body.

• Endocrine-disrupting chemicals originally exert their actions by acting on the hormone receptors of the endocrine system, like the estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, retinoid receptors, and thyroid receptors.

• From a physiological perspective, these substances are either synthetic or natural compounds. These compounds alter the homeostatic and hormonal systems through environmental and inappropriate developmental exposures.

• These molecules are endocrine disrupters used as lubricants and byproducts of polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), plasticizers, and pesticides.

• Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are substances present in the environment, food sources, manufactured products, and personal care products that disturb endocrine functioning.

• These chemicals interfere with how the hormones work. Chemicals are present in the food, air, and water we drink.

• Some endocrine-disrupting chemicals act like ‘hormone mimics’ that will trick the body into thinking of them as hormones, while other endocrine-disrupting chemicals block the actions of natural hormones.

• These chemicals also change the sensitivity of the body to hormones. Many chemicals that are man-made and natural mimic the body’s hormones.

• The chemicals are linked with immune, brain, reproductive, and developmental problems.

• Endocrine disruptors are found in many products, including plastics, detergents, food toys, flame retardants, and pesticides. Some chemicals break down in the environment, which makes them more hazardous.

• These chemicals cause adverse effects on humans and animals, like abnormalities in the sex organs, quality of sperm, early puberty and altered nervous system, and certain cancers.

The endocrine disruptors act through the following mechanisms-

• They act directly on the glands and influence them to make more or fewer hormones.

• They can mimic a hormone that causes the body to overreact or react at the wrong time.

• These disruptors block the pathway between a receptor or a natural hormone.

• These chemicals also enter the body through the skin. People are exposed in several ways, including the air, food, and water.

What Are the Chemicals That Cause Endocrine Problems?

High exposure to these chemicals during fetal development or baby formation causes long-lasting health problems that regulate the formation and maturation of endocrine hormones. Exposure to these chemicals is associated with developmental abnormalities that increase the disease risk. These chemicals can cross the placenta and accumulate in fetal circulation. Some chemicals are transferred to the baby through breast milk. The highest risk is associated with chronic exposure to chemicals because a developing baby inside the mother’s womb is vulnerable to these chemicals.

The following chemicals cause endocrine disturbances:

• Dioxins- This chemical is produced as a byproduct in paper bleaching and herbicide production. They are released into the environment through burning or wildfires.

• Phthalates- These are used in plastics that make them more flexible and are found in cosmetics, packaging, medical devices, and children’s toys.

• Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE)- It is used to make flame retardants such as carpets and furniture foams.

• Triclosan- Triclosan is found in liquid body wash and personal care products.

• Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) - These chemicals are used to make equipment like hydraulic fluids, transformers, and lubricants.

• Phytoestrogens - The phytoestrogens naturally occur in plants such as daidzein and genistein found in tofu and soy milk.

• Perchlorate - It is a byproduct of weapon, aerospace, and pharmaceutical industries that is found in fireworks and drinking water.

• Perfluoroalkyl and Poly Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)- These chemicals are used in industrial applications like non-stick pans, paper, and textile coatings.

• Bisphenol (BPA) - It is a chemical used to make epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics that are found in food storage containers.

• Phytoestrogens - Soy-based products have phytoestrogens that have chemicals produced by plants. These phytoestrogens mimic the natural hormones estrogen.

What Are the Steps to Be Followed to Avoid Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals?

Bodies run a network of hormones and glands that regulate everything we do. The synthetic chemicals in the products like plastics mimic the hormones. The following steps have to be followed to protect ourselves from health issues-

• Washing Hands Properly

Washing hands frequently before and after eating helps to get rid of these chemicals. Avoid using fragranced and antibacterial soaps.

• Turn Up Nose at Fragrances

The fragrances contain potentially harmful ingredients. Phthalates are found in fragrances and can modify the release of hormones from hypothalamic, pituitary, and peripheral hormones. Phthalates have the tendency to affect reproductive hormones like sex hormone-binding hormones, free testosterone, and thyroid function.

• Avoid Using Plastics

Plastics are everywhere around us, such as food wrappings, bottle, conditioner, and phone. Bisphenol, commonly called BPA, contains phthalates. Phthalate is an endocrine-disrupting hormone. It is impossible to eliminate plastics, but some steps can be taken to eliminate them. The plastics can be replaced with reusable bags with beeswax-coated cloth, or with paper bags.

• Avoid More Cosmetics

There are many lotions, polishes, glosses, and glitters in the market. They contain chemicals related to cancer, skin condition, and asthma. These chemicals make the products look good, smell good and glide smoothly, which is irresistible to kids.

Conclusion

Everyone should take measures to eliminate some of the common endocrine disruptive factors like lead, phthalates, cadmium, dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls, phthalates, triclosan, and brominated flame retardants. These chemicals lead to psychological stress and defects in metabolism and affect reproductive health by blocking or mimicking the effects of male and female sex hormones. It is very crucial to avoid using things and foods that contain these harmful ingredients.