Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) are man-made chemicals that can mimic or interfere with our body’s natural hormones.
Let’s explore the most common EDCs we encounter in our daily lives, and how we can easily reduce our exposure.
Bisphenols (BPA, BPS & BPF)
What are they? Bisphenols are synthetic chemicals widely used to manufacture polycarbonate plastics, receipts, and epoxy resin coatings that line the inside of food and drink cans.
The health risks: Over 90% of people in the Western world already have bisphenols in their bodies. They are linked to brain development issues in children, hormonal cancers, obesity, and fertility problems.
How to Avoid Bisphenols?
- Reduce canned food: Opt for fresh, frozen, or glass-packaged foods instead of canned products to avoid can lining residues;
- Never heat plastic: Avoid microwaving plastic containers. Heat, acidity, and fats significantly speed up chemical leaching into your food;
- Skip thermal receipts: Avoid handling paper till receipts, particularly if you are pregnant, as they are coated in bisphenols.
Phthalates
What are they? Phthalates are plasticisers added to PVC plastics to make them soft, flexible, and durable. They are found in items like synthetic clothing, shower curtains, takeaway food containers, and some toys.
The health risks: Phthalates mimic hormones and can disrupt the development of reproductive organs in boys, whilst being linked to the early onset of puberty in girls.
How to Avoid Phthalates?
- Watch the recycling codes: Minimise your contact with soft plastics carrying recycling code ‘3’ or marked as ‘PVC’;
- Keep dust down: Phthalates easily escape from products and settle into household dust, exposing children as they crawl;
- Vacuum and damp-dust regularly;
- Favour natural materials: Favour glass, ceramics, wood, or stainless steel over soft synthetic plastic goods.
PFAS (Forever Chemicals)
What are they? PFAS are a group of over 10,000 chemicals used for their grease-, stain-, and water-repelling properties. They are found in non-stick cookware, waterproof fabrics, cosmetics, and cardboard food packaging.
The health risks: PFAS virtually never break down in the environment, earning them the nickname « forever chemicals ». They accumulate in our bodies and are linked to thyroid disease, high cholesterol, and certain cancers.
How to Avoid PFAS?
- Ditch non-stick cookware: Replace worn Teflon or non-stick pans with cast iron, ceramic, or stainless steel alternatives;
- Say no to stainproofing: Avoid buying furniture, rugs, or clothes labelled as « waterproof » or « stain-resistant » unless certified PFAS-free;
- Use reusable food wraps: Avoid greasy takeaway wraps and single-use packaging; pack food in glass or metal containers.
Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs)
What are they? BFRs are added to easily flammable materials like electronics, sofas, mattresses, and carpets to prevent or slow down the spread of fires.
The health risks: These chemicals continuously escape from products and contaminate indoor air and household dust. They can bioaccumulate in tissues and are linked to thyroid hormone disruption and brain development issues.
How to Avoid BFRs?
- Damp-dust regularly: Dust settles around electronics and furniture. Use a damp microfibre to trap dust particles, preventing them from flying back into the air;
- Vacuum with a HEPA filter: Vacuum rugs and floor spaces regularly to capture small chemical-laden particles;
- Ventilate your home: Open windows daily to flush out any chemical particles that accumulate in the indoor air.
You can easily lower your exposure to this chemicals with simple healthier choices.
Know more on how to do it when choosing sun protection, school related products or cleaning products