A recent review published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, co-authored by Environmental Health Sciences staff, examined different categories of lifestyle interventions – including changes to diet, product choices, and home environment – and found evidence linking each to a reduction in exposure to some endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs).
In short:
- Overall, dietary changes such as reducing the consumption of packaged and canned foods achieved the greatest reduction in exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates.
- Some studies suggest that reducing exposure may help reverse specific EDC effects, particularly those associated with altered hormone signaling or gene expression.
- However, reductions in exposure later in life cannot fully make up for the potential health consequences of EDC exposure that occurred during sensitive windows of prenatal or childhood development.
Key quote:
“Individual-level exposure-reduction strategies may serve as useful complements to regulatory actions, but should not substitute for broader structural and policy-level interventions needed to reduce population-wide EDC exposure and its potential health impacts across the lifespan.”
Why this matters:
Endocrine disrupting chemicals have been linked with a wide range of severe health impacts, including (but not limited to) cancers, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, neurotoxicity, and reproductive issues. The use of EDCs in consumer products is so ubiquitous, that in some cases, it’s essentially impossible for individuals to completely control their own exposure, and research has shown that regulatory and policy interventions are more effective, more consistent, and have a more widespread impact than strategies that put the burden on individual consumers to protect themselves. The authors of this review emphasize that “evidenced-based policies to reduce the production and use of harmful EDCs, improve product safety standards, and enhance public awareness remain critical” in the protection of public health.
Related EHN coverage:
- Vitamins and essential minerals may help minimize the impacts of endocrine disrupting chemicals
- Lifestyle changes may help meaningfully reduce exposure to toxic plastic chemicals
More resources: Environmental Health Sciences provides resources on chemical exposures, including fact sheets on the science of endocrine disruption, the chemicals commonly used in products, and simple ways to reduce your everyday exposure.
