Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are increasingly recognized as a major health concern. These synthetic substances replicate or disrupt the body’s natural hormonal balance, which results in various health issues. Due to the distinct hormonal balance throughout life, women are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of EDC exposure. This article spotlights the recent epidemiologic literature on what EDCs are, and the effects on women.
Defining EDCs
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) defines EDCs as “a natural or human-made chemical that mimics, blocks, or interferes with the body’s hormones, and homoeostatic systems of organisms resulting in adverse health effects”. These chemicals are associated with a wide array of health issues, especially in the healthcare of women.
The human body depends on the endocrine glands to produce hormones crucial for development, which controls many biological processes like normal growth, fertility, and reproduction where minor disruptions can significantly impact biological processes.
Additionally, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), defines EDCs as “exogenous agents that interfere with the synthesis, secretion, transport, metabolism, binding action, or elimination of natural blood-borne hormones that are present in the body and are responsible for homeostasis, reproduction, and developmental processes”.
Furthermore, a policy brief by the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN), a global network of NGOs dedicated to eliminating pollutants and toxins, identified that women in various occupational settings are exposed to multiple EDCs. These include cosmetics (mercury, formaldehyde, parabens), sanitary napkins (phthalates, solvents), utensils (PFAS), textiles (PFAS, nonylphenol), personal care products (triclosan, BPA), and paint (lead). Exposure to EDCs has been linked to various harmful health effects due to their ability to disrupt hormone activity.
Disrupting the Symphony: How EDCs Work
EDCs work in two ways: blocking hormone action and interfering with hormone production. By adhering to hormone receptors, some EDCs block the body’s hormones from binding and acting. Additionally, EDCs can disrupt the synthesis, transportation, or breakdown of hormones and hormonal balance.
A Silent Threat: Health Concerns for Women
The Endocrine Society estimates that among the approximately 85,000 man-made substances globally, at least 1,000 are endocrine disruptors due to unique characteristics. Exposure to EDCs has been linked to a range of health problems in women, impacting various stages of life.
Reproductive Health
Reproductive diseases linked to EDCs may include menstrual irregularities, endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cancer, and fertility issues. Early puberty and delayed menopause have also been linked to EDC exposure. Fatal exposure to EDCs can also lead to neurological and reproductive conditions, including cancer and congenital defects.
Breast Cancer
An article on WebMD purports that due to high levels of oestrogen or progesterone associated with an elevated risk of breast cancer, EDCs with estrogenic action, such as phthalates, biphenyl A (BPA), and organochlorine insecticides, are particularly significant for breast cancer risk as studies suggest that about 3 in 4 breast cancers rely on these hormones to grow.
Pregnancy Outcomes
Scientists have found that EDCs could contribute to severe pregnancy conditions like preeclampsia, fetal growth restrictions, and gestational diabetes. EDCs may compromise a mother’s immune system, which could lead to poor pregnancy outcomes like preterm birth or low birth weight.
Sources of EDC Exposure
EDCs can be found in a wide range of common consumer products, such as carpets, toys, food and plastic beverage packaging containing Biphenyl A (BPA), cosmetics containing parabens, pesticides, industrial waste, and contaminated water. Hence, its exposure can occur through various routes including air, diet, and skin contact among others.
The Road to a Healthier Future
While the full extent of EDC exposure’s impact is still being studied, there are steps we can take to minimize risk. Limiting the use of synthetic chemicals in pesticides and personal hygiene products can be accomplished by opting for natural and organic products such as glass, stainless steel, or BPA-free alternatives for food and beverage storage.
Conclusion
Advocating for policies regulating EDCs and supporting research on safer alternatives is also vital to alleviate the abundance of EDCs. These awareness and proactive measures can help ensure women’s health is protected from these invisible threats.
