More Endocrine Disruptors and How to Avoid Them

Here are some more common endocrine disruptors and what you can do to minimize their effects on your health.

Dioxins

Dioxins form when bromine or chlorine are burned in the presence of carbon. The resulting compounds interfere with the signals hormones transmit to cells, especially signals from testosterone. Studies have found that exposure to dioxin in the womb causes males to have issues with erectile function and fertility in their adult lives. Women exposed to dioxins are at greater risk for breast cancer.

Fire Retardants

Most fire and flame retardants contain chemicals called polybrominated diphenyl ethers or PBDEs. These chemicals are remarkably persistent in the environment. Levels of PBDEs in environmental testing have doubled every five years since 1971. They have been found in substances as different as polar bear blood and human breast milk, and they are linked to hypothyroidism.

How can you avoid PDBEs? Clean your house carefully when you replace the carpet. Carpet pads usually contain high concentrations of PBDE. If you have furniture with flame-retardant upholstery, vacuum regularly to gather the particles that could carry the chemical into your lungs.

Perfluorinated Carbon Compounds

Perfluorinated carbon compounds, also known as PFCs, are used to make coatings that keep food from sticking to pans. Unfortunately, these compounds can stick to you. They linger in the environment. The most common chemical in this class, perfluorooctanoic acid, or PCFO, doesn't break down. Ever. PFOA exposure has been linked to low sperm counts in men, premature birth, low birth weight, high cholesterol, and kidney disease.

The easiest way to avoid PFOAs is just to avoid Teflon and similar non-stick coatings on kitchenware and clothing. Cleaning may take longer, but traditional "sticky" materials are safer for your good health.

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Organophosphate Pesticides

The Nazis developed organophosphate neurotoxins as a weapon in World War II. After the war, scientists in countries all around the world adapted these poisons for use as pesticides. Even though there have been a number of studies linking exposure to these chemicals with delayed development in children, they are still in common use.

How do you avoid organophosphates? Buy organic, or visit the link posted below for more information about the most problematic fruits and vegetables that retain the greatest amounts of organophosphate residue.

Lead

There was a time when most water pipes were made with lead. All over the world, including thousands of communities in the US, old pipes made with lead are still in service. There also was a time when every brand of white paint contained lead. As a result, crumbling paint flaking off into chips that may be eaten by small children is still a major cause of developmental delay. Adults exposed to lead often develop kidney disease.

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Lead poisoning is treatable with a method called chelation therapy. The chelating drug EDTA is even insurance-approved for this purpose. However, it's best to avoid lead by removing and replacing old paint, and avoiding the use of pottery decorated with lead glazes. You can buy inexpensive test kits to make sure household items don't contain dangerous levels of lead.