Endocrine disruptors (EDs) are substances in the environment, food sources, personal care products, and manufactured products that interfere with normal function of our body’s endocrine/hormonal system. In target tissues, EDs can reduce or increase the effects of natural hormones on their receptors and change their signaling patterns. With this, there is growing evidence that these chemicals can create potentially significant health risks, such as increasing the risk of certain cancers.

Below is the Environmental Working Group’s list of 12 major hormone disruptors, along with their sources and how best to avoid them:

1. BPA: BPA has been linked to breast and other cancers, reproductive issues, obesity, early puberty, and heart disease.  
   
   
   
   • Sources: canned foods, receipts, plastics marked with “PC” for polycarbonate or recycling label #7.
   
   
   
   


2. Dioxin: Dioxins are formed during many industrial processes and can build up in the body, affecting the immune and reproductive systems.  
   
   
   
   • Sources: products like meat, fish, milk, eggs, and butter are most likely to be contaminated, but you can cut down your exposure by eating fewer animal products.
   
   
   
   


3. Atrazine: Atrazine is a herbicide that’s been linked to breast cancer, delayed puberty and prostate inflammation in animals, and some research has linked it to prostate cancer in people.  
   
   
   
   • Sources: non-organic corn and some non-filtered water.
   
   
   
   


4. Phthalates: Studies have linked phthalates to hormone changes, lower sperm counts, less mobile sperm, birth defects in the male reproductive system, obesity, diabetes, and thyroid irregularities.  
   
   
   
   • Sources: plastic, children’s toys, plastic wrap made from PVC, personal care products, and products with added “fragrance”.
   
   
   
   


5. Perchlorate: Perchlorate is a component of rocket fuel that contaminates much of our produce and milk. In the body, it competes with the nutrient iodine, which the thyroid gland needs to make thyroid hormones.
   
   
   
   • Sources: Since it’s difficult to avoid, you can reduce its potential effects by making sure you are getting enough iodine in the diet or using iodized salt.
   
   
   
   


6. Fire retardants: These persistent chemicals can imitate thyroid hormones and disrupt their activity, leading to significant health effects.  
   
   
   
   • How to reduce exposure: use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and avoid reupholstering foam furniture. In addition, always wash any new clothes before you wear them.
   
   
   
   


7. Lead: Lead is a heavy metal that harms almost every organ system in the body and has been linked to an array of health effects, such as brain and kidney damage, increased blood pressure, nervous system issues, and lowered sex hormone levels.  
   
   
   
   • How to reduce exposure: keep your home clean and dust-free, repaint old painted walls and always wash hands before eating.  
   
   
   
   


8. Arsenic: This toxin has been linked to skin, bladder, and lung cancer. It can also interfere with normal hormone functioning involved in processing sugars and carbohydrates.  
   
   
   
   • The best way to reduce your exposure is by using a water filter that lowers arsenic levels.
   
   
   
   


9. Mercury: Our primary exposure to this toxic metal is through mercury-contaminated seafood.  
   
   
   
   • The best way to avoid it is by sticking to fish low in mercury, such as wild salmon and farmed trout.
   
   
   
   


10. Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs): PFCs have been linked to decreased sperm quality, kidney and thyroid disease, high cholesterol, among other health issues.  
    
    
    
    • Sources: non-stick pans, stain and water-resistant coatings on clothing, furniture, and carpets.
    
    
    
    


11. Organophosphate pesticides: Among the more common pesticides used today, these can alter testosterone and thyroid hormone levels, as well as affect brain development and fertility.  
    
    
    
    • How to reduce exposure: buy organic whenever possible or for the “Dirty Dozen” foods, which include: strawberries, spinach, kale, collard and mustard greens, nectarines, apples, grapes, cherries, peaches, pears, peppers, celery, and tomatoes.
    
    
    
    


12. Glycol ethers: Glycol ethers are common solvents in paints, cleaning products, brake fluid, and cosmetics, which have been tied to blood abnormalities, lower sperm counts, and allergies.  
    
    
    
    • Sources: products with ingredients such as 2-butoxyethanol (EGBE) and methoxydiglycol (DEGME).
    
    
    
    

For further information about how to reduce your exposure to EDs, we recommend checking out the apps “Think Dirty” and “Detox Me”, or the Environmental Working Group’s website.

Author: Dr. Nadine Kexel ND, CCNM Integrative Cancer Centre Resident