Ask the Expert: Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are substances in the environment (air, soil, or water supply), food sources, personal care products, and manufactured products that interfere with the normal function of your body’s endocrine system. Since EDCs come from many different sources, people are exposed in several ways, including the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink. EDCs also can enter the body through the skin. 

How are those living with endocrine disorders and hormone imbalances, drastically affected by EDCs?

EDCs interfere with the way hormones function in the body thus people already living with hormone imbalances or disorders are particularly vulnerable. It’s important to be aware that while most of the EDC research is on estrogen, androgen and thyroid disruption, it is now evident that other hormone systems are also vulnerable including insulin, oxytocin, and vasopressin. Thus, individuals living with diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other endocrine-sensitive conditions should be aware that EDCs may exacerbate their condition.

Some foods are also naturally hormonally-active including soy and soy-based foods, so it is important for patients looking to avoid EDCs to be aware of those foods. These foods are not necessarily harmful per say, but could interfere with thyroid medication or some breast cancer medications so it is good for patients, particularly vegetarians, to discuss dietary concerns with their endocrinologist.  

Are there any risk factors for EDCs exposure, and are there considerations through various life cycles?

Exposure varies considerably by geographic location, gender, lifestyle, and other factors that differ from person to person. For example, people that use a lot of personal care products can have higher exposures than people who do not. People may also be exposed occupationally so anyone working in, for example, agriculture-related disciplines, chemical manufacturing, construction, or firefighting should be proactive about talking to their endocrinologist about specific EDC-related health hazards that might come with the job. Notably, most EDCs have short half lives so if people are proactive about limiting their exposure, body burden tends to drop, which is good.

Drinking water is something to consider. Although public drinking water undergoes some testing for health hazards it is not routinely tested for most EDCs or other harmful chemicals so using a high quality water filter is always a good idea. Reverse osmosis is the most thorough type of filtration and can be done at a point source (ex. the kitchen sink) or the whole house, which is typically more expensive. Similarly, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to have well water tested, so if you are using well water make sure it is tested at least every few years, particularly for PFAS, arsenic, and other long-lived chemicals. 

What does the latest research/policy say about EDCs?

The scientific research is unequivocal that EDCs are harmful to the endocrine system and the developing body is most vulnerable. Young children and pregnant women are at particularly high risk for long-term effects. Unfortunately, our policies and regulations have not kept up with the science and are woefully inadequate to protect public health. Compared to most other countries, US policies covering EDCs are lax to non-existent and there does not appear to be any appetite for reform any time soon. Thus products made for the EU and Japan, for example, are often less toxic than the same products made for the US. 

The science also shows that the number of chemicals that are most problematic is in the hundreds, not the thousands, so although it is theoretically a manageable problem, regulatory change is not forthcoming. Some manufacturers, however, are voluntarily moving to do away with these chemicals including BPA, some phthalates and flame retardants, PFAS and other EDCs for which there is robust data showing risk of harm.  

How can EDCs affect our daily lifestyle?

It is very easy to get inadvertently exposed to EDCs because they are used in so many products, and young children have higher exposures than adults given that they spend more time on the floor and put toys and other items in their mouth. It can be very challenging for individuals and families that are trying to avoid exposure. This is a frustrating reality for consumers. We shouldn't have to be constantly worrying about whether or not something is safe but sadly, that is the reality in the US.

What is the most important thing patients and families should know about EDCs?

While EDCs can be harmful there is no need to panic. Some commonsense choices and practices can help reduce exposure. These include washing all new clothing and bedding before wearing, avoiding vinyl curtains, using fragrance-free products whenever possible, limiting use of plastic food containers and food packaging, buying organic when possible, limiting use of canned foods, avoiding soaps and cleaners with antibacterial chemicals, and investing in a high-quality water filter.

Some more expensive but worthwhile investments over the long term include chemical-free mattresses, PFAS-free cookware, a HEPA-filter equipped vacuum cleaner, and adoption of household cleaners and personal care products that are greener and less toxic. Hydrogen peroxide based cleaners, for example, are a safer choice that is rapidly becoming more widely available.  

Unfortunately, there are almost no US regulations by EPA or FDA regarding EDC use in products including food packaging, personal care products, or clothing so it is truly buyer beware. Fortunately, many retailers are becoming more proactive about minimizing the presence of EDCs and other harmful chemicals in their products so patients and families can use websites like Mind the Store or web tools such as Environmental Working Group’s Healthy Living app to shop for the safest products.  

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