There are many types of chemicals that can cause health problems. Even with tighter regulations, it is still relatively common for such chemicals to make their way into consumer products. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are one of the most dangerous classes of chemicals. They can cause quite a few different health issues. In fact, the dangers of EDCs may not yet be fully researched.
Thankfully, it is possible to avoid these dangerous chemicals.
Read on to learn more about the dangers of EDCs and how you can avoid them.
What are endocrine-disrupting chemicals?
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are a class of chemicals that change how the body’s endocrine system works. The endocrine system is responsible for producing, storing, and regulating various hormones. Nearly every major bodily system is directly or indirectly affected by the endocrine system.
As you might expect, this means that EDCs can cause a wide range of health issues. Unfortunately, many of the health issues are severe and can even be fatal.
The health issues known to be caused by EDCs
The many health problems that may be caused by exposure to EDCs include:
- Cancer
- Neurological problems
- Obesity
- Metabolic disorders
- Nervous disorders
- Fertility issues
Though all of these health problems are quite serious, the deadliest health problem that can be caused by EDCs is cancer. There are several types of cancers that have been linked with exposure to EDCs. Many of these cancers are found in the reproductive organs. For example, men exposed to EDCs are at a significantly higher risk of developing prostate cancer. Women are at a much higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Recently, a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) showed a link between the frequent usage of hair straightening products and uterine cancer. This is believed to be due to the EDCs present in many hair straightening products. Many women who had uterine cancer due to hair straightening products are now seeking a “curly hair settlement” by suing the manufacturers of these products.
Researchers are discovering more health problems caused by EDCs
Though numerous health problems have already been definitively linked to EDCs, researchers are still discovering more health problems caused by these chemicals. For example, EDCs had not been linked to uterine cancer until recently. For a long time, they were thought to only increase the risk of breast cancer in women and men.
Tips for avoiding EDCs
Now that you are aware of EDCs and how dangerous they can be, you likely want to avoid them. This can be difficult, as EDCs can be found in many products. However, it is possible to limit your exposure to EDCs.
Many EDCs, such as BPA, can be found in plastic food and drink containers. When you are looking for food and drink containers, you should either get metal containers or find products labeled “BPA free.” It is also extremely common for beauty products such as hair straightening chemicals to contain EDCs like parabens and phthalates. However, more manufacturers are creating beauty products that do not include these chemicals. These products may be labeled “Parabens free” and “Phthalates free.”
