Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are widespread and could pose numerous health risks, experts warn

A group of chemicals, likely found in various household items across the United States, may be affecting your hormone health.

How concerned should people be about endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as phthalates, BPA (bisphenol A), and brominated flame retardants?

While research on EDCs is ongoing, studies have linked exposure to potential health issues like brain development, fertility, and puberty, according to Dr. Michael Bloom, a public health expert at George Mason University.

Despite many unknowns, organizations like the Environmental Working Group are urging people to take action to minimize their exposure to these chemicals.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals interfere with hormones, which are crucial for transmitting messages throughout the body to regulate functions in organs, skin, muscles, and other tissues, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Experts share their insights on EDCs and what you should know about them.

What exactly are EDCs?

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are not naturally produced by the body, but they can alter how hormones work, says Dr. Bloom. Hormones play a vital role in various biological processes like puberty, reproduction, and brain development.

Some of these chemicals can imitate natural hormones like estrogen or testosterone, while others affect hormone production, causing the body to produce too much, too little, or alter how hormones are broken down, Dr. Bloom explained.

Phthalates, a group of synthetic chemicals, are commonly found in products like food containers and plastic wraps. These EDCs disrupt testosterone production, according to the Endocrine Society.

Brominated flame retardants, used in electronics, clothing, and furniture, have been linked to thyroid dysfunction, which plays a crucial role in childhood development, the Endocrine Society reported.

“Endocrine-disrupting chemicals interfere with hormonal communication,” explained Dr. Bloom. “Hormonal signaling is essential for the brain to communicate with tissues, and for tissues to coordinate daily functions, all of which are vital for efficient bodily operation.”

Chronic exposure to substances that block or alter hormone activity can have severe effects, noted Dr. Alexa Friedman, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group.

“Anything that interferes with your hormones is likely to affect overall health,” she added.

Health risks associated with endocrine disruptors

Growing scientific research indicates that endocrine disruptors may contribute to conditions like attention deficit disorder and impulse control disorders, according to Dr. Bloom.

“Hormones are crucial for brain development and function. Early exposure to these EDCs could alter how your brain develops,” explained Dr. Friedman.

These chemicals might also be linked to the rise in early puberty in girls, which has been associated with higher risks of psychosocial issues, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and breast cancer, said Dr. Natalie Shaw, head of Pediatric Neuroendocrinology at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

Research has also raised concerns about the effects of EDCs on insulin sensitivity, diabetes, obesity, and fertility, Dr. Bloom added.

The challenge in conducting deeper investigative research is that studying the harmful effects of EDCs on the human body is difficult, Dr. Bloom noted.

Much of the evidence comes from studies using cell models, where cells or tissues are exposed to high levels of these chemicals—levels much higher than what most people would naturally encounter, Dr. Bloom explained.

To determine what a more realistic, biologically relevant level of exposure might do, researchers often test urine samples for EDCs and compare the levels to various health markers, he added.

However, the current body of scientific literature remains divided, Dr. Bloom said. Some studies suggest that EDC exposure is a major health risk, while other reports dispute that claim.

“We’re at a crossroads where the question is, ‘Is it better to err on the side of caution?’” he concluded.

Researchers, regulatory agencies, and individuals are grappling with whether it's worth taking immediate action to eliminate EDCs, in case research later proves it's necessary, or whether it's better to wait to avoid the costs and efforts of replacing products for those at lower risk of exposure, Dr. Bloom explained.

How exposure happens

Completely avoiding exposure to endocrine disruptors may prove difficult, Dr. Friedman acknowledged.

“The main challenge with EDCs is their widespread presence in the environment and in nearly everything we use,” she added.

Personal care and skincare products are key sources of exposure, not only due to the chemicals they contain but also from the plastic packaging they come in, Dr. Bloom said.

Pesticides used in farming and found on fruits and vegetables may contain endocrine disruptors, and even groundwater could be contaminated, Dr. Friedman noted.

Dinogo contacted the National Pest Management Association and the Personal Care Products Council for their input on the matter.

“Surprisingly, significant levels of these chemicals can be found in household dust,” Dr. Bloom added.

This is particularly concerning for toddlers and infants who spend a lot of time on the floor, where dust accumulates, he explained.

People of color may face higher exposure to endocrine disruptors, Dr. Bloom said. Some researchers believe this is due to higher concentrations in products marketed specifically to them, such as hair care products, he added.

“Someone going about their daily routine—using personal care products, drinking tap water, and eating produce—may unknowingly be exposed to small amounts of EDCs in many different ways, with the effects accumulating over time,” Dr. Friedman explained.

Minimizing your exposure

It can be hard to identify which products may increase your exposure to endocrine disruptors just by reading the label, Dr. Bloom said.

Many product ingredients are proprietary, meaning they are protected by the company’s ownership, so they’re not always fully disclosed on labels, he added.

“There are no standard labeling requirements, and the industry may change the ingredients they use over time,” Dr. Bloom noted.

This means a product that was tested two years ago might now be produced differently, potentially introducing new levels of exposure, Dr. Bloom explained.

“Environmental health scientists are constantly playing catch-up with the ever-evolving products used in the industry,” Dr. Bloom noted.

Government agencies are taking steps to protect consumers, and further research is ongoing, according to a statement from the US Environmental Protection Agency.

“The EPA has taken action to regulate these chemicals in the environment and offers increased scrutiny for substances like pesticides through the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program,” the statement read.

The widespread presence of EDCs and the lack of clear labeling don't mean there's nothing you can do to protect yourself, however.

Dr. Friedman suggests making small, manageable changes that align with your budget, priorities, and lifestyle. A good place to start is by gradually replacing personal care products one by one as you use them up. Installing a water filter to reduce EDCs is another practical first step, she said.

There are numerous reliable online databases that can help you find safer personal care products, such as SkinSafeProducts.com, created by allergists and dermatologists at the Mayo Clinic, and Skin Deep by the EWG, Dr. Bloom noted.

It’s not about completely overhauling everything—Friedman, for instance, has curly hair and sticks to her usual shampoo and conditioner. Instead, she focuses on swapping out products she’s open to changing, she explained.

The EWG also offers a tap water database where individuals can check the quality of their drinking water by zip code and find a filtration system that suits their needs.

“It might not be easy to change where you live or alter environmental factors like air quality or workplace exposures,” Dr. Friedman said. “But when it comes to personal care products, people generally have more control over what they buy, within reason.”