It’s thought that chronic low-dose exposure to a combination of these chemicals is most concerning.
Where Are They Found?
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals can be found throughout our homes and lives.
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Examples include:
What foods are high in endocrine disruptors?
Foods that may be high in endocrine disruptors include meats, fish, and dairy products.
Contaminated vegetables and agricultural products may also be sources.
What Chemicals Are Considered Endocrine Disruptors?
But looking at air pollution (particulate matter) as a whole made the true risk much clearer.
Particulate matter in the air is now classified as a human carcinogen.
Unfortunately, retrospective studies are much less accurate.
For example, exposure during pregnancy resulting in changes in young children or sperm counts is easier to monitor.
Yet, we are learning from other research that overall exposure may be of greatest concern.
Again this is challenging to study outside of the lab, but a few concerns have been noted.
Looking at cancer biology, the reason this belief is wrong is clear.
Cancerous tumors aren’t simply an abnormal clone of cells that is unchanging.
Tumors continuously change and develop new mutations.
This is, in fact, the reason that resistance develops to many treatments.
Most fragrances contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
That pleasant smell you associate with cleanliness may actually be the smell of phthalates.
Label reading isn’t just for items in cans and jars.
There are some caveats.
Not all chemicals may be listed, and those that are may go by several names.
Keep in mind that most food cans are lined with plastics classified as endocrine disruptors.
confirm anything you buy fresh (such as fish) is wrapped in butcher paper rather than plastic.
(This is also a way to reduce your exposure to other substances linked to cancer.)
Also, skip the antibacterial soap in the kitchen and instead use soap and water.
You may be surprised.
In other words, it’s better to drink water from a plastic water bottle than to risk dehydration.
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