Endocrine disruptors can have serious affects on our health.
Learn why, and how to minimize your exposure in everyday life.
But what do these labels meanand why do people care?
According to theEndocrine Society, there are 1000 or more chemicals that could be EDCs.
Common ones include:
Where are endocrine disruptors found?
EDCs are in lots of our everyday products, but exposure mostly happens by ingestion.
board-certified family medicine physician
Herbicides, pesticides, contaminated water, and preservatives used in food may contain EDCs.
We are often exposed through common items like face wash, shaving cream, body lotion, andsunscreen.
EDCs can also be in toys, furniture, and carpet.
What does the science say about health risks?
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
All chemicalseven the most toxichave safe doses that the body can handle.
But the problem is, we dont yet know enough about EDCs to determine what is a safe amount.
Whats being done about it?
So if EDCs arent good for us, what steps are being taken?
board-certified family medicine physician
saysNicole Sparks, PhD,assistant professor of environmental & occupational health at theUniversity of California, Irvine.
As a result, many manufacturers have responded by creating products without EDCs.
These days, you’re free to usually find an EDC-free alternative for most products.
Unfortunately, because EDCs are everywhere, thats not the case.
But it’s possible for you to certainly limit your exposure.
Start by identifying the ways you are being exposed by informing yourself.
Ensure that your personal care products do not contain parabens by checking the ingredient label, Hulse suggests.
you’re free to reduce exposure to triclosan by swapping your antibacterial soap for regular soap.
The Food and Drug Administration says regularsoap and waterare just as effective as antibacterial soap at removing germs.
As far as food packaging goes, Dr. Purdy says, Skip plastics because most of them contain EDCs.
make a run at consume less processed foods overall.
When you do buy packaged food or canned goods, look for options that are labeled PFAS- and BPA-free.
And choose glass packaging when available.
it’s possible for you to further reduce exposure by opting for plastic-free tea bags or using loose-leaf tea.
Limit the use of sandwich bags, opting for glass, stainless steel, or cloth containers.
Another idea is popping your own popcorn on the stove rather than microwave popcorn.
Also research the household products you use.
Dr. Purdy warns, Many cleaning products are not clean.
Fragrances often contain EDCs, she adds.
Sure it takes more work to research which products have been made without harmful chemicals.
But it can be a big step in protecting your health.
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