Lets talk about house hold endocrine disruptors...
First of all, what is the endocrine system? ⠀
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The endocrine system is a group of glands that release hormones to activate a set of target cells that then connect to specific receptors. Endocrine disrupters are dangerous because they can trick these receptors by mimicking a hormone, which can trigger a response and inappropriately turn on different hormonal processes. Or they can bind to a hormone’s receptor and block activation, preventing appropriate hormonal processes from taking place. ⠀
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Here Are Some Common Endocrine Disruptors You May Have in Your Home: ⠀
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Plastic food containers and water bottles - Heating plastic containers, such as microwaving a takeaway container, or leaving a water bottle in a hot car can cause BPA to leach from the plastic. ⠀⠀
Cosmetics and personal care products such as perfumes, nail polish, skin creams, shampoo and conditioner can contain phthalates and parabens. ⠀
Common household items like your couch, mattress, water-proof clothing and non-stick cookware can contain flame retardants (such as PBDEs), stain and water resistant coatings (such as PFOAs), or non-stick coatings (PFCs).⠀
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Cleaning products can contain potential EDCs, such as 2-butoxyethanol and methoxydiglycol. If they contain artificial fragrance they may also contain phthalates.⠀
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Tin cans and jar lids are often lined with bisphenols, like BPA. And while many manufacturers are now making BPA-free products, the replacement chemicals being used to replace BPA may also present a risk. ⠀
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What are the potential risks to being exposed to endocrine disruptors?⠀
Stress Response
Neurological and behavioral changes
Irritability and reduction in stress handling abilities
Metabolism
Some EDCs have been linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes
Some industrial chemicals and flame retardants can interfere with thyroid function
Reproductive Health
Some classes of EDCs (DDT, BPA, phthalates, PCBs, others) can affect reproductive health by mimicking or blocking the effects of important sex hormones for male and female.
Development
High exposures to EDCs during pregnancy can lead to low-birth weight
Altered development
Disrupted sexual development
Weakened immune system
Cancer
Exposure to estrogen or androgen mimicking EDCs can promote breast and prostate cancer growth and/or interfere with hormonal cancer therapy, which is why most patients going through these therapies are advised to live a low toxicity life during treatment.
Prenatal exposure to some EDCs may after mammary gland development and increase the risk of breast cancer.
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To find alternatives or ways you can reduce your use of endocrine disrupting chemicals in your home, book via the link today.
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