Share about Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals here:
I first learned about endocrine disrupting chemicals, or EDCs, when I attended FNCE 2024 in Minneapolis. My jaw dropped at how common EDCs are and how they can impact our overall health including our fertility. I was shocked by how many were hiding in my daily routine—plastic containers and water bottles, shampoo and conditioner, even receipts. As a future dietitian, passionate about hormone health, I quickly realized how much these chemicals could be impacting so many people without them even knowing. Let’s break down what EDCs are, how they affect our bodies, and most importantly—how you can make easy swaps to reduce your exposure today!
What Are Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals?
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) are man-made chemicals that may mimic, block, and alter the body’s natural hormonal pathways. They are substances in the environment (air, soil, or water supply), food sources, personal care products, and manufactured products that are associated with health effects such as:
- Reproductive Disorders
- Menstrual Cycle Irregularity
- Infertility
- Miscarriage
- Cancer
- Testosterone imbalance (in men or women)
Examples of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals
These chemicals are everywhere—but especially in common items we use every day. Below are examples of EDCs and where they can be found.
Bisphenol (BPA, BPS, BPF, BPB, BPAD) found in:
- Plastic food and beverage containers
- Canned food linings
- Thermal paper receipts
- Water bottles
- Dental sealants
Parabens found in:
- Shampoos and conditioners
- Lotions and moisturizers
- Makeup and foundation
- Deodorants
- Sunscreens
Pesticides (Glyphosate, DDT, Chlorpyrifos, Atrazine) found in:
- Conventionally grown fruits and vegetables
- Grains and cereals
- Non-organic coffee and tea
- Lawn and garden herbicides
- Contaminated water supply
Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in:
- Nonstick cookware (Teflon)
- Fast food packaging (like wrappers or popcorn bags)
- Water-resistant clothing and gear
- Stain-resistant clothing and gear
- Stain-resistant carpets and furniture
- Drinking water (Check you local water report here!)
Sulfates found in:
- Shampoos and body washes
- Toothpastes
- Household cleaners
- Detergents and dish soaps
Flame Retardants found in:
- Upholstered furniture and mattresses
- Electronics (TVs, laptops, phones)
- Car seats
- Insulation and building materials
Phthalates found in:
- Soft plastics (shower curtains, food wrap, toys)
- Fragranced products (perfumes, air fresheners, lotions)
- Vinyl flooring
- Nail polish
- Detergents and cleaning products
Phytoestrogens found in:
- Mainly processed soy products (tofu, soy milk, edamame)
- Flaxseeds in high amounts
- Cruciferous vegetables
- Beans
- Whole grains
Heavy Metals (Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Arsenic) found in:
- Contaminated water or soil (check your local water report here!)
- Certain seafood (swordfish, shark, tuna)
- Older pipes and paints
- Cosmetics (especially imported or metallic products)
- Some rice and rice products have shown traces of arsenic
How to Mitigate Risks of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals
Food
- Opt for fresh, frozen, or foods packaged in glass instead of canned foods to reduce EDC exposure
- Opt for real foods and try cooking more at home versus more processed foods or fast foods
- Limit food-related pesticide exposures by soaking produce in a baking soda water bath, peeling fruits and veggies, or buying certified organic if able
Cookware
- Consider cast iron, stainless steel, or glass cookware over non-stick cookware
- Opt for wooden cutting boards over plastic cutting boards
- Heat food in glass or ceramic instead of plastic
- Reduce the use of plastic plates, cups, and storage containers, it’s better for your health and the environment!
Kitchen Tools
- Replace plastic spatulas, spoons, and measuring cups with silicone, bamboo, wooden, or stainless steel alternatives
- Avoid plastic wrap when possible—use beeswax wraps or silicone lids instead
- Store leftovers in glass containers with silicone lids rather than plastic ones
Water
- Invest in a reusable non-plastic water bottle to save money and decrease chemical exposure
- Check your local water quality report here and consider a high quality water filter if needed
- Avoid bottled water stored in plastic containers, especially if left in hot environments like cars
Cleaning Products
- Use plant-based or fragrance-free cleaning brands with transparent ingredient lists
- Avoid products with synthetic fragrance, ammonia, chlorine, or “antibacterial” claims
- Try making your own simple cleaners with vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and essential oils
Personal Care Products
- Choose fragrance-free or naturally scented products labeled “paraben-free” and “phthalate-free”
- Look for certifications like EWG Verified™, Made Safe®, or USDA Organic when shopping for makeup, lotions, and soaps
- Avoid aerosol sprays (like dry shampoo or spray deodorants) with synthetic propellants and chemical preservatives
MISC.
- Choose a digital receipt when possible to reduce exposure to EDCs like BPA
- Avoid synthetic air fresheners (plug-ins, sprays, and scented candles); opt for essential oil diffusers or simmer pots instead
- Be mindful of new furniture and mattresses—look for options that are GOTS- or GREENGUARD-certified to reduce off-gassing from flame retardants and VOCs
- Wash new clothing, bedding, and towels before use to remove chemical finishes or residues
- Avoid artificial fragrances in laundry detergents and dryer sheets—use wool dryer balls with essential oils instead
So why does all of this matter? Because these chemicals don’t just sit quietly in the background—they actively interfere with your body’s natural rhythms. Here’s how EDCs can affect your health, hormones, and fertility.
How Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals Affect Your Health
The effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals show up in our daily lives, in our bodies, and even in future generations.
EDCs can impact the body by:
- Hormonal imbalances like estrogen dominance, low progesterone, and thyroid dysfunction
- Increased risk of infertility, irregular cycles, and ovulatory issues. Studies show that fertility rates may be too low to sustain population growth worldwide by the year 2100.
- Sperm quality decline, including lower count and motility
- Increased rates of PCOS, endometriosis, and early puberty
- Greater risk of miscarriage and pregnancy complications
- Developmental issues in children due to prenatal exposure
- Long-term risks including certain cancers and metabolic disorders
While we can’t control everything, we can reduce our body’s burden by making conscious, everyday choices. The more we protect our hormones now, the more we support our fertility, vitality, and long-term health in the future.
For more tips like this, check out our blog and social media!
Stay nourished!
Nourished Dietitians
