Endocrine Disruptors 101: What They Are and How to Ditch Them for Good

Since becoming a parent, you may have become much more aware of the fact that there are a lot of toxic chemicals out there. BPA in bottles, pesticides in baby food, arsenic in rice cereal… Should you need to just keep your kids in a bubble their whole childhood?

One of the most dangerous classes of chemicals for your child is endocrine disruptors. These chemicals can have a broad range of actions, even at low levels of exposure.

Unfortunately, endocrine disruptors are in pretty much all products out there. But, if you want to learn about what these compounds do, where to find them, and how to avoid them, read on.

What are Endocrine Disruptors?

Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that affect hormone behavior in the body. Often, they have a similar shape to hormone molecules like estrogen, but they may work instead by stopping a hormone from working properly.

While we’re most aware of hormones and their role in puberty (estrogen causing breast development and the start of a girl’s period, or testosterone causing boy’s voice to deepen and for them to grow facial hair), they regulate so many more functions in the body. Hormones affect growth, how food is digested and used, brain development, and more.

The amount of each hormone in your body at any given time is finely tuned. Any small change can cause subtle changes that go on to have huge effects on your body.

Many of these chemicals bioaccumulate (stay in your body for a long time). For example, if you were exposed to an old pesticide called DDT when you were a baby, you probably still have some in your system, even if it’s been years since you have been in contact with any more of it.

What Makes Endocrine Disruptors so Dangerous?

Endocrine disruptors are unique among toxic chemicals because it’s not always true that the more you have in your system, the more dangerous they are.

Have you ever heard, “The dose makes the poison?” This is the founding principle of toxicology, and it makes sense. Generally, a little bit of something toxic might not do any damage, but a lot of it can be extremely poisonous or even deadly.

Endocrine disruptors flip this logic on its head. While a large amount of these toxic chemicals is dangerous, a somewhat lower amount doesn’t do much harm.

Meanwhile, an extremely small amount of endocrine disruptor can actually cause more damage than a higher amount. Basically this lower concentration is the zone at which the chemical can interact with hormones and hormone receptors, thereby interfering with normal action.

Why are Endocrine Disruptors Extra Dangerous for Babies and Children?

Generally speaking, children and babies (even before they are born) are even more susceptible to endocrine disruptors than adults. Their brain, metabolic system, and reproductive system are still developing, so a small change now is like the butterfly effect, more likely to cause major changes in the future.

In addition, babies and young children put everything in their mouth. Since many of these chemicals get into our system orally, it’s even more important to be aware of them in toys and teethers for babies and toddlers.

Plus, we use more plastic for kids and babies. We use waterproof mattress covers, plastic sippy cups, vinyl teething toys, and plastic plates for kids. All these regular plastic exposure sources can add up to a lot of toxic chemicals.

How can Endocrine Disruptors Affect Kids?

Endocrine disruptors affect affect kids in multiple ways, although many of these effects may not be seen until puberty or even adulthood.

Reproductive effects

Because many endocrine disruptors mimic sex hormones, they can affect development during puberty. For example, children (especially girls) may be more likely to enter puberty early due to these compounds. Extremely high exposures to endocrine-disrupting pesticides caused girls in the Yaqui Valley of Mexico to develop breasts early, but when they were old enough to have their own children, many of them were not able to breastfeed due to lack of mammary tissue (the shape of breasts has to do with fat deposits, which these girls developed. You have to have mammary tissue underneath to produce milk).

Neurodevelopmental effects

Endocrine disruptors affect the development of the brain and the nervous system too. In fact, there is evidence that these chemicals may play a role in the uptick in cases of learning disorders, ADHD, and/or autism.

Obesity and diabetes

In addition, endocrine disruptors have a huge effect on metabolism (something we’re still learning about). These compounds change how we use the food we digest, and likely have a part to play in common American problems like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular health. And once again, the groundwork for these systems is laid during pregnancy and childhood. What your kids are exposed to now will affect them their whole lives.

Cancer

Finally, endocrine disruptors cause an increased risk of several cancers, including breast cancer, testicular cancer, and thyroid cancer. 

The main problem is this: We’ve only been using these chemicals for the past several decades, and more endocrine disrupting compounds are being introduced into our environment every year. We haven’t even had a chance to study the effects of these compounds for more than a few generations of people. 

We are learning more and more about the effects of these compounds every day, and what we’re learning doesn’t look good.

Which Chemicals are Endocrine Disruptors?

There are many different classes of chemicals that are endocrine disruptors. Here’s the scoop on where you’ll find them:

Phthalates

Phthalates are a class of compounds that can be really useful. They are “plasticizers” that make plastics more flexible and harder to break. They’re found everywhere from vinyl flooring to waterproof mattress covers to raincoats. They are often found in vinyl/PVC plastics (Recycling code #3). 

But phthalates are found in less obvious places too. They can be great solvents, so they’re used in fingernail polish, soap, shampoo, and hairspray. (Shop from our Gentle List of safe products to avoid these ingredients.)

But this is the trick: These products don’t have to include phthalates in their ingredient list, at least not directly. The FDA classifies phthalates as a fragrance ingredient, so companies don’t have to tell you about them.

If you’re avoiding phthalates, make sure you only buy personal products that are labeled phthalate-free.

Parabens

Like phthalates, parabens are often found in personal care products like lotions, soaps, and shampoos. Their main purpose, though, is as a preservative, to inhibit mold growth in these products.

Parabens mimic estrogen, so they can cause a range of toxic effects in both boys and girls. In addition, they have been linked to increased appetite, possibly leading to problematic weight gain.

Fortunately, parabens are pretty easy to spot in an ingredient list. They’ll have a name like methylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben… just look for the word “paraben” at the end of the name.

PFAS

If you think switching from plastic to paperboard will save you from toxic chemicals, think again. Many paperboard containers (like used for rice bowls and burrito bowls at take-out restaurants) contain perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals are used to waterproof (or pico-de-gallo-proof) your cardboard bowls, and there can be a huge amount of them in even one bowl.

These chemicals have been linked to preeclampsia, high cholesterol, asthma, and other problems. They don’t break down in the environment, and they stay in your body for years.

BPA/BPS

One of the more infamous endocrine exposures, you’ve likely heard of bisphenol A (BPA). This chemical was under fire for years, but was voluntarily removed from baby bottles, infant formula cans liners, and other baby products in 2008.

Unfortunately, many companies simply swapped out BPA with bisphenol S (BPS), a related chemical that also has hormonal activity. In fact, these new baby bottles may be just as dangerous as the old ones with BPA.

So what should you do if you depend on baby bottles? Use polypropylene bottles. This plastic isn’t made with BPA or BPS, making it a much safer alternative.

Pesticides

Several pesticides, including glyphosate, have been named as potential endocrine disruptors. You and your child can be exposed to these compounds through inhalation or skin contact, but your most likely exposure route is through food.

And pesticides have been linked to many other problems besides endocrine disruption, so it’s in your best interest to avoid them in your diet as much as possible. 

When possible, choose organic versions of the Dirty Dozen produce (such as strawberries, spinach, and kale). Buy your produce in season (it will likely have less toxic chemical on it), and if you’re buying locally, get to know your farmers and their practices.

Flame retardants

Flame retardants are found in many pieces of nursery furniture, from mattresses and diaper changing pads to rockers/gliders. They’re often added to polyurethane foam on the chance that there is a fire in the home, but their toxicity is a big drawback.

Many FRs are recognized carcinogens and have been linked to neurodevelopmental problems, reproductive problems (including fertility issues), and thyroid issues. And because these chemicals are volatile organic compounds (VOCs), they come off of furniture and into your (or your baby’s) breathing space.

How do I avoid endocrine disruptors for my kids?

To be honest, it’s probably impossible to completely avoid endocrine disruptors. But there are many steps you can take to minimize them for you and your kids.

Avoid plastic utensils and tableware

Plastic such as HDPE often contains endocrine disruptors (even if they’re not explicitly made with them, phthalates from recycled products often end up in new water bottles).

Bamboo plates (make sure they’re melamine-free) are a great alternative to plasticware when you’re avoiding breakable plates and bowls for young kids.

Breastfeed if possible

While yes, endocrine disruptors can pass through breast milk, your baby will likely get a higher dose from a bottle or infant formula packaging. 

Not only that, but breastfeeding is protective (for mom and baby) against many diseases, including metabolic disorder (related to obesity and diabetes), cardiovascular diseases, and some cancers. These are all problems that can result from endocrine disruptors! So not only are you lowering your baby’s toxin intake by breastfeeding, you’re also protecting them from the toxins they’ll inevitably be exposed to.

Eat fresh foods when possible

Prepackaged foods, especially those in cans, may be in contact with BPA, BPS, or other endocrine disruptors. By eating foods with minimal packaging (or solid foods that make less contact with packaging than liquids), you’ll be eating healthier and avoiding toxicants.

Don’t use old teethers or toys

I know it’s fun to find old toys from when we were kids for our own children, but it’s probably not worth it. While most teething rings now are made of silicone or another safe material, older ones may be made of vinyl/PVC and contain toxic chemicals. 

For babies and toddlers who put everything in their mouths, choose wooden toys (with non-toxic paint or stain) or BPA, BPS, vinyl, and phthalate-free plastic toys.

Switch to natural furniture

This task is a bit more expensive and may take some time, but it’s worth it to avoid VOC exposure from polyurethane foam and vinyl. Fortunately, I have guides for furniture throughout your home.

• Non-toxic car seats
• Waterproof crib mattress pads
• Non-toxic baby changing pads for your nursery
• Greenguard certified gliders and rockers for your nursery
• The best organic crib mattresses for baby and toddler
• The best non-toxic cosleepers and bassinets for newborns
• The best non-toxic play mats for babies
• The best organic mattresses for a healthier night’s sleep

Note that certifications such as Greenguard Gold can be useful to know which products are safe, many certifications are not a guarantee. “Greenwashing” is rampant, and some products may claim to be “organic” even though it’s really only the cover or certain components of it that are natural and toxin-free. Do your homework before purchasing.

Final Thoughts on Avoiding Endocrine Disruptors

While it’s virtually impossible to completely avoid endocrine disruptors, there are many ways we can decrease our exposure. Generally speaking, avoid plastics and focus on organic foods and products.

But don’t get so caught up in worrying about endocrine disruptors that you become overly stressed. Remember that stress also has very real health effects, and it causes you to miss out on the present moment. So do what you can to protect your little ones, and then just enjoy those sweet babies of yours.

Keep Reading:

• What You Need to Know About Prop 65 Warnings
• What are Endocrine Disruptors and How Do You Avoid Them?
• GOTS Organic Certification: What Does It Mean?
• How to Use Less Plastic: 17 Things You Can Do Now
• The Dangers of PVC: What Parents Need to Know
• Greenguard Certification: What Does It Mean?