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Common Chemicals Threaten Hormonal Health
by Joseph Mercola, D.O.
Dr. Joseph Mercola
of Mercola.com
In recent years, more and more evidence has emerged showing that certain chemicals are causing damage to the endocrine system of both wildlife and humans. Male infertility, in particular, is on the rise, and about 250,000 fewer boys have been born in the last 30 years in the U.S. and Japan.
Scientists are linking these phenomena to an accumulation of "gender-bending" toxins called endocrine disruptors. Based on the initial evidence, Congress passed the Food Quality Protection Act in 1996, which required the EPA to initiate the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP) to screen pesticide chemicals and environmental contaminants for their potential to affect the endocrine systems of both animals and humans. However, despite the fact that more than a decade has passed since the beginning of the program, the market is literally flooded with chemicals that have the potential to wreak havoc with your health. Especially when you’re exposed to them in a myriad of untested combinations.
According to Elizabeth Salter Green, director of the UK organization CHEM Trust: "Chemicals that have been shown to act together to affect male reproductive health should have their risks assessed together. Currently that is not the case, and unfortunately chemicals are looked at on an individual basis. Therefore, government assurances that exposures are too low to have any effect just do not hold water because regulators do not take into account the additive actions of hormone-disrupting chemicals."
How to Protect You and Your Children’s Health
If you have children, or are planning a pregnancy, this is clearly an issue you’ll want to pay attention to. It is difficult, yes, but there are still a number of practical strategies you can implement to limit your exposure to endocrine disruptors, and other common toxins. Here are practical measures you can take to protect you and your children from common toxic substances that may wreak havoc with your delicate endocrine system:
- Store your food in glass containers whenever possible, as it is the most inert container you can use.
- Only use natural cleaning products in your home. Most health food stores will have these available or you can search online for them.
- Buy and eat organic produce and free-range, organic foods to reduce your exposure to pesticides and fertilizers. This also applies to milk, which is frequently contaminated with bovine growth hormone.
- Avoid conventional or farm-raised fish, which are often heavily contaminated with PCBs and mercury. Instead, supplement with a high-quality krill oil, or eat fish that is wild-caught and lab-tested for purity.
- Avoid processed foods and artificial food additives of all kinds, including artificial sweeteners and MSG.
- Throw out your Teflon® pots and pans.
- Have your tap water tested and, if contaminants are found, install an appropriate water filter on all your faucets (even those in your shower or bath).
- Avoid using artificial air fresheners, dryer sheets, fabric softeners or other synthetic fragrances.
- Switch to natural brands of toiletries, including shampoo, toothpaste, antiperspirants and cosmetics.
- When redoing your home, look for "green," toxin-free alternatives in lieu of regular paint and vinyl floor coverings.
- Replace your vinyl shower curtain with one made of fabric.
