Over the last few years, there’s been a trend towards “clean and non-toxic” beauty and home products, and for good reason. It’s as important to look at the ingredients in these products as it is to look at the ingredients and sources of our food. Our home and personal products are often laden with synthetic chemicals which are endocrine disruptors. But what are these disruptors exactly and how do we avoid them? I’ll share here a few of the most common endocrine disruptors and tips on finding healthier alternatives.
According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, endocrine disruptors are a large range of chemicals, both natural and man-made, that may mimic or interfere with the body’s hormones, known as the endocrine system. These chemicals are linked with developmental, reproductive, brain, immune, and other problems.
Unfortunately, endocrine disruptors are found in many everyday products, including some plastic bottles and containers, liners of metal food cans, detergents, flame retardants, food, toys, cosmetics, and pesticides. It can easily feel overwhelming when you think about this but don’t feel discouraged. You can start by making small changes to your everyday routine. You don’t have to do it all at once.
Here are 9 tips you can use to avoid endocrine disruptors.
Stay away from “fragrance”
Fragrance is an umbrella term for the potentially thousands of unknown chemicals in a product. Because of proprietary formulas protected by trade-secret laws, the companies behind these products don’t need to disclose the ingredients, but it’s highly likely that among the chemicals they use, they will contain a group of petroleum-based chemicals called phthalates. Phthalates are associated with problems in the reproductive and respiratory systems, liver and kidney, and normal human development.
Instead, look for products that are “fragrance-free. Unscented is apparently a marketing term that means the product may contain chemicals that neutralize or mask the odors of other ingredients. If in doubt, you can use the Environmental Working Group’s database, Skin Deep, to check the product in question.
Swap plastic containers for glass ones
Plastic containers often have BPA (Bisphenol A) in it, which can cause learning and behavioral problems, infertility, brain abnormalities, nervous system issues, heart abnormalities, diabetes, obesity, changes to the DNA, cancer, and other serious disorders. One of the ways to avoid BPA is to swap out your plastic containers for glass ones, like this Pyrex set, which I use in my own home. Another tip is to never heat food in a microwave using plastic containers as the BPA can leech onto your food. Minimize your takeout consumption for the same reason, but if you do wind up with restaurant leftovers, transfer your food to glass storage containers as soon as you can so they have less exposure to the plastic.
Ditch the receipts
Receipts are usually printed on BPA-containing thermal paper, so opt for a digital receipt when you can or forego it entirely. If you do keep receipts, don’t touch them with freshly sanitized hands as that is another bad combo.
Use a water filter
Drinking water is one of the most common sources of exposure to PFAS chemicals. The Environmental Working Group has a very thorough guide on how to choose the right kind of water filter to remove or reduce PFAS chemicals from your tap water. You can also enter your zip code on their website to get more information about your own local water source and the potential contaminants. I looked up my own area and despite NYC having a reputation for stellar water, there were 18 different contaminants found, 10 of which exceed EWG’s health guidelines. And as they say on their site, legal does not necessarily equal safe. Getting a passing grade from the federal government does not mean the water meets the latest health guidelines.
Read labels and opt for organic whenever possible
I always advise my family, friends, and health coaching clients to read product labels to be sure they know what exactly it is they’re consuming. I realize that the cost of everything has gone up with inflation, but if there are certain things to invest in, I would prioritize buying organic and non-GMO whenever possible. Buying organic reduces your exposure to pesticides, which are associated with impacts on fertility and birth outcomes, nervous system damage, cancer, and other health harms. Yes, it’s more expensive, but it’s an investment into your current and future health, potentially even affecting your family’s generations down the line.
Try to avoid canned food
The liners of canned food items often contain BPA. To reduce your exposure, see if there are similar items sold in glass jars, or consider getting fresh or frozen items instead. If you do buy it canned, rinse it in water before using, which may lower the amount of BPA.
Wash your hands often
We all know that handwashing is beneficial for reducing the risk of infectious diseases, but studies also show that it has other health benefits. Handwashing with soap and water removes phthalates that can be picked up through contact with products such as PVC flooring, personal care products, and plastic
toys. The study also indicated that soap was the most effective method to remove the phthalates and rinsing with water alone was not sufficient.
Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter
A clean home is great for a lot of reasons, but reducing endocrine disruptors should be at the top of the list. Toxic chemicals can be found in house dust, so it’s recommended to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter twice a week, or daily if there are babies or children regularly playing on the floor. This is the vacuum we use and it’s quite good and relatively affordable. Related, leave your shoes outside or at the door to reduce bringing in outside dirt, which can also be contaminated.
Be aware of greenwashing
Greenwashing is the term given when companies make false claims that a product is eco-friendly or otherwise good for you. It can be hard to miss, especially if the company is good at it, but there are certain things to look out for. For example, read the label for any fluffy words without an explanation, such as “natural.” Read the ingredients list. Be cautious about falling for pretty packaging. If in doubt, don’t buy the product on the spot and take some time to research it before making the investment.
Additional Resources
The Environmental Working Group’s Guide to Endocrine Disruptors
Children and Environmental Toxins: What Everyone Needs to Know
Top photo by Daiga Ellaby on Unsplash.
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