Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)

These chemicals are hormone disruptors that are found in many daily products of use. This is a concern because it also contaminates food, water and bioaccumulates and becomes an environmental issue as well. Some of the major toxins are considered to be phthalates, Bisphenol A (BPA) and triclosan. The phthalates are used in fragrances, nail polish, adhesives, inks, pill coatings, PVC pipes and more. BPAs are used in polycarbonate plastic, dental fillings, and line many food packaged cans which disrupt estrogen pathways. Even when a can says BPA-free, it is being substituted with other forms called BPS and BPF which is being found to be a worse alternative. This is why it can be good to opt for whole foods such as corn on the cob or snapping peas instead of the canned version. Triclosans was luckily banned from hand soaps as an antimicrobial agent in 2016, but it still may be present in body washes, plastic cutting boards to shoe insoles. Some things we do not have much control over, but the things that we do, lets slowly start to swap items out such as wood cutting boards or all natural products to help decrease our toxin loads. This is not to make you feel overwhelmed, but empowered to know that there are steps you can take to make changes and live in a more toxic-free environment. The Yuka app is very helpful while grocery shopping to scan the barcode of items and see how toxic they are. Some things that are marketed as healthy may surprise you.