Let's Talk EDCs

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Q&A

There are unique features of endocrinology that need to be considered when evaluating how chemical exposures can cause endocrine disease. In the first video in this series, Laura Vandenberg, PhD, addresses the following questions:

Q: What are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)?

A: EDCs are chemicals or chemical mixtures that interfere in some way with hormone action.

Q: How am I exposed to EDCs?

A: There are many suspected sources of EDC exposures, including consumer products (e.g., cosmetics, food packaging materials) as well as industrial chemicals (e.g., PFAS) and pesticides.

Q: If EDCs are harmful, how come I haven’t noticed effects?

A: The effects of EDC exposures may take months or years to manifest and include complicated conditions with multiple contributing causes such as cancer, diabetes, and reproductive health issues.

Q: How do EDCs act and why are they different from other chemical exposures?

A: Hormones act at extremely low doses and EDCs may have effects at similar dose ranges. Hormones also control the development of organ systems, therefore exposure to EDCs during development may cause irreversible effects. The relationship between hormone levels and effect is also rarely linear, so low doses as well as high doses of EDCs may cause harm.

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Q&A

Diabetes and obesity are two of the world’s most pressing health care issues, affecting hundreds of millions of individuals and responsible for millions of deaths yearly. The last 15 years have seen major advancements in the science linking these and other metabolic disorders with EDCs. These chemicals have sometimes been called “obesogens” and/or “diabetogens”. In the second video of this series, Rob Sargis, MD, PhD, addresses questions about how these chemicals influence metabolic disorders.

Q: Has science shown that chemicals influence human metabolism?

A: Studies have linked a variety of environmental toxicants with metabolic dysfunction through diverse molecular mechanisms.

Q: Are people commonly exposed these chemicals?

A: Humans are exposed to numerous chemicals with the capacity to alter metabolism, and chemical exposures likely contribute to the growth in rates of obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and diabetes.

Q: Do different communities have different risks related to EDCs?

A: Disproportionate exposures to endocrine disruptors likely contribute to health disparities.

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Seven Safe and Simple Steps

Given the widespread nature of EDCs and strong evidence of harm, patients may understandably be concerned and have questions about what they can do to control their environment and limit exposures to EDCs. The following “seven safe and simple steps” are increasingly cost effective, do not require detailed scientific expertise, and will have real benefits to patients:

1. Encourage the use of organic foods with a lower pesticide burden
2. Avoid canned and processed foods
3. Avoid handling thermal paper receipts
4. Know what’s in your personal care products
5. Limit phthalates and parabens by being careful with your plastic containers
6. Prevent flame retardant exposure by replacing damaged furniture, buying natural products that are less flammable, and recirculating indoor air.
7. Avoid nonstick cooking pans to prevent PFAS exposure.

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Q&A

Increased difficulty in conceiving and maintaining pregnancy is illustrative of recent troubling trends in women’s reproductive health outcomes. Many women are routinely exposed to classes of chemicals, such as pesticides, parabens, phthalates, and per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that have been linked to reproductive health problems. In this video, Tracey Woodruff, PhD, MPH, provides an overview of the links between EDCs and women’s reproductive health outcomes and provides evidence based strategies that you can share with your patients.

Q: What are some potential impacts of EDC exposures on women’s reproductive health?
A: Exposure to EDCs has been linked to reproductive health disorders such as PCOS, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids. Declining pubertal age, increases in aggressive breast cancer in young women, and infertility can also be influenced by chemical exposures.

Q: How strong is the evidence linking chemical exposures to reproductive health disorders?
A: Numerous specialty and professional societies, including the Endocrine Society, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine have issued statements saying there is robust evidence linking exposure to adverse reproductive health outcomes.

Q: How can I help protect my patients?
A: Health professionals can work with patients on prevention strategies such as eating a diet lower on the food chain with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, regular hand washing and not microwaving plastic containers. But this also requires systemic changes, so be engaged and register and vote.