What are endocrine disruptors?
These are chemical substances that can influence the functioning of our endocrine glands, these internal glands that secrete the hormones of our hormonal system. These are colorants, preservatives, perfumes, often intended to make products more attractive. They are found in food, cosmetics (bisphenol A, phthalates, etc.) and household furniture (flame retardants supposed to prevent fires). They are also present in pesticides (atrazine, malathion, etc.) and certain plants (phyto-oestrogens in soy or alfalfa, etc.). As our hormones regulate several major physiological functions: growth, cerebral and sexual development, fat metabolism, reproduction… there is growing concern about the influence of these products on our health. Now aware of this problem, manufacturers are trying to eliminate them little by little.
Who is affected by their presence?
We all are, but the fetus – via its mother – the young child and the adolescent are even more so. Because our body is more sensitive to endocrine disruptors during fetal life, the first years of life and puberty. These are pivotal periods of development, where hormones play a very important role. The contamination of children could even begin before their conception: “If the mother is exposed to endocrine disruptors in the four or five months preceding conception, these products can accumulate in her fat, then pass into the blood of the fetus during pregnancy…”, explains Professor Patrick Fénichel, endocrinologist.
What risks are suspected for children?
Exposure of pregnant women to endocrine disruptors could increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth and low birth weight. These products could also harm the cerebral development of the fetus, and induce attention deficit, hyperactivity and autism. In little girls, they are suspected of promoting early puberty (before the age of 8). “One of our studies has shown that precocious puberty occurs in 75% of cases in a context of contamination by endocrine disruptors”, specifies Professor Charles Sultan, pediatric endocrinologist. In boys, disruptors are suspected of inducing genital malformations (absence of one or both testicles, etc.). Finally, exposure during the first years of life would increase the risk of developing other disorders later.
What do we fear in adults?
In adults, endocrine disruptors are suspected of promoting certain cancers, the frequency of which has been increasing for fifty years: breast cancerof the ovaryof the prostateof the thyroid… They could also explain the explosion of obesity noted for forty years, and increase the risk of diabetes. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), this disease could see its incidence double by 2030, with 330 million people affected, compared to 183 million today. Finally, endocrine disruptors could promote theinfertility. This disorder now affects more than 10% of women of childbearing age. And, in some countries, up to 40% of men have a spermof poor quality.
What else do we not know?
Although several works indicate – strongly – that endocrine disruptors are toxic, formal proof of this toxicity is still lacking. Moreover, scientists do not know at what dose each of these substances becomes toxic. Elements are also missing to prioritize the risks of each of them. It is also unclear how the combination of different disruptors increases the risks. Finally, not all risky products have yet been identified, nor all possible sources. Further research is therefore needed. That said, “given the available data, the precautionary principle must apply now,” insists Philippe Perrin, eco-nurse.
How to reduce food-related exposure?
“For everyone, and especially for pregnant women, favor organic food, advises Professor Sultan. Avoid food trays to be heated in the microwave, as their containers may contain phthalates and bisphenol S or F. Ditto for take-out pizzas or fries, served in cardboard. Moderate fatty fish consumption (tuna, salmon, etc.), which may contain endocrine disruptors (heavy metals, PCBs, etc.): no more than two or three times a week. Prefer glass mineral water bottles to plastic ones… »
Generally : “Learn to identify products containing endocrine disruptors, especially among those used every day,” adds Philippe Perrin. Product labels mention the presence of phthalates, bisphenol S or E320 (major endocrine disruptors in food). However, there is no comprehensive list of substances to avoid. Moreover, a disturber can have several names. For example, E320 (preservative) is also called butylhydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxyanisole or BHA.
How to avoid other sources?
For cosmetics, “opt for products with the eco- or bio-cosmetic label. Avoid deodorants with aluminum salts?; colorations in pregnant women?; nail polish for little girls; baby wipes and diaper products; the perfume at pregnant woman, the child and the baby, advises Philippe Perrin. On the medication side, do not abuse theaspirinfrom paracetamolor painkillers. Avoid sunscreens with chemical filters. Choose anti-lice shampoos with a greasy film. At home, banish furniture with flame retardants (their labeling is in progress), interior perfumes, tobacco and ventilate at least 10 minutes a day. Finally, in the garden, avoid pesticides and herbicides. »
Pesticides: how to choose fruits and vegetables?
To monitor
Limit the consumption of those that are not organic or from a natural vegetable garden. By decreasing risk: Strawberry, spinachnectarines, Applepeach, pear, cherry, grape, celery, tomatosweet pepper, potato.
Preferred
The least loaded with pesticides is the lawyerfollowed by pineapple, cabbage, the onionof asparagusmango, eggplant, melon and Kiwi.
Source: Environmental Working Group.
Phthalates
They are often used as plasticizers in:
– food packaging (bottles, etc.);
– many cosmetics (varnishes, lacquers…);
– plastic objects (kitchen utensils, etc.).
Paraben and phenoxyethanol
They are often present in:
– cosmetics;
– baby wipes…
Bisphenol A
It can be found in food containers:
– soda cans;
– certain tin cans;
– some plastic packaging…
More informations
To know more
Main substances at risk in cosmetics
Clean Beauty app (ingredient info).
Map of water quality in France, to know if you can drink tap water
Recommendations from the Ministry of Health :
Recommendations_for_pregnant_women_and_parents_of_young_children.pdf
Our Experts
Pr Patrick Féniche, endocrinologist specializing in diabetes and reproduction, at the University Hospital of Nice, researcher at Inserm
Philippe Perrin, eco-nurse, director, of IFSEN (Institute, training in environmental health), in Annemasse
Pr Charles Sultan, pediatric endocrinologist, specialist in environmental diseases, at Montpellier University Hospital
Read also:
Endocrine disruptors in children’s hair
The European Commission called upon to define endocrine disruptors
Endocrine disruptors: who are they and where are they hiding?
