.jpg)
In our previous two post of this series we went over six of 9 major hormone disrupters and how to avoid them, this week we will add the last three to the list. If you missed the previous two post you can view them here and here. Below is a brush up on endocrine disruptors.
Endocrine disruptors usually affect development and reproduction and can cause cancerous tumors, birth defects, hormone imbalances, and changes in the brain and immune system, as well. Endocrine disruptors are found in many everyday products, such as plastic bottles and food containers, the lining of metal food cans, toys, food, cosmetics, receipts, detergents, and pesticides.
So, let’s jump right in!
Organophosphate Pesticides
Organophosphate Pesticides are a group of man-made chemicals that target the nervous system of insects. They are the most widely used insecticides. They are used not only in agriculture but also in homes, gardens, and by veterinarians for treatments on pets. Studies have linked exposure to organophosphate pesticides to an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
Additional studies have found that agricultural workers who work with theses pesticides have an increased risk of several hormone-related cancers including breast cancer, thyroid cancer, and cancer of the ovaries.
Exposure to organophosphate pesticides can affect how testosterone communicates with other cells in the body, lower testosterone levels, and alter thyroid hormones.
It is often found flea and tick collars, in shampoo, sprays, and powders for dogs and cats, in garden pest control products, no-pest strips, and on fruits and veggies from pesticide use.
How to Avoid:
Buy organic fruits and veggies.
Use natural products for flea and ticks on pets. Or at least natural shampoos and sprays. I use Richard’s Organics shampoo on my dog and make my own deodorizing spray for him out of essential oils. Though Richard’s Organics does carry Flea and Tick Spray and a Skin Spray.
Use natural products on your lawn and garden.
Perfluorinated Chemicals
Perfluorinated chemicals are so widespread and enduring that 99 percent of Americans have them in their bodies. Even though three chemicals in this category were band in 2016 by the Food and Drug Administration, many more are entirely resistant to biodegradation, which means we’ll continue o be exposed long into the future.
Exposure to these chemicals is linked to decreased sperm quality, low birth weight, high cholesterol, kidney disease, and thyroid disease.
Scientist are still studying how these chemicals effect he human body, but animal studies have shown that they affect thyroid and sex hormone levels.
These chemicals are found in some grease-resistant paper, fast food containers and wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes, and candy wrappers, water and oil repellents, foams used in fighting fires, metal spray plating, nonstick cookware and cooking utensils, stain and water-resistant coatings on clothing, furniture, and carpets, and cleaning products.
How to Avoid:
Avoid non-stick pans and utensils.
Eat fresh organic foods whenever possible and avoid processed and fast foods.
Avoid products labelled stain or water-resistant
Use natural cleaning products or carefully read labels. The only company that I have found that does not contain a bunch of unnecessary ingredients is Ecos. They have a Multi-Surface Cleaner, Window Cleaner, Furniture Polish, and even stain/odor removers, white board cleaner and just about any thing you’d need to clean a home or classroom with.
Lead
Lead harms almost every organ in the body and has been linked to an extensive list of health problems, including permanent brain damage, lowered IQ, hearing loss, miscarriages, premature births, increased blood pressure, kidney damage, and nervous system problem.
One of the most common forms of lead exposure is lead-based paints, used in millions of U.S. homes before 1978. These paints contain high levels of lead and are particularly toxic to children. Many toys and some furniture in the same era were painted with lead-based paints, although good imported from China in recent years have had notably high lead levels.
Research has shown that lead can disrupt the hormone signaling regulating the body’s primary stress response system, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. This system is involved in high blood pressure, diabetes, anxiety, and depression.
Lead is particularly destructive to the human nervous system, especially in children. A 2013 study found that lead had adverse effects on the behavior and development of children.
Lead is found in house paints-mainly in older homes and buildings built before 1978, makeup-such as lipstick (especially darker shades), eyeliner, and hair dye, old water pipes, imported canned goods, and some children’s toys.
How to Avoid:
Keep your house or space clean. Be careful of old crumbling paint, which can create toxic dust.
Wash children’s hands often and regularly wash toys.
Wipe dusty surfaces with a damp cloth regularly to eliminate lead dust from crumbling paint in older homes and apartments.
Get a good water filter, such as the Berkey that is authorized to remove lead.
Run cold water. If you have old pipes that might contain lead or lead fittings, run the cold water for a minute before using it. Don’t use hot tap water for cooking or to make baby formula.
Comments