Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals 2012

State of the science of endocrine disrupting chemicals 2012 / edited by Åke Bergman, Jerrold J. Heindel, Susan Jobling, Karen A. Kidd and R. Thomas Zoeller.

Three strands of evidence fuel concerns over endocrine disruptors:

1.     The high incidence and the increasing trends of many endocrine-related disorders in humans

2.     Observations of endocrine-related effects in wildlife populations

3.      The identification of chemicals with endocrine disrupting properties linked to disease outcomes in laboratory studies.

Many endocrine-related diseases and disorders are on the rise.  Large proportions (up to 40%) of young men in some countries have low semen quality, which reduces their ability to father children.

The incidence of genital malformations, such as non-descending testes (cryptorchidisms) and penile

malformations (hypospadias), in baby boys has increased over time or levelled off at unfavourably  high rates.

The incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight, has increased in many countries.

Neurobehavioural disorders associated with thyroid disruption affect a high proportion of children in some countries and have increased over past decades.

Global rates of endocrine-related cancers (breast, endometrial, ovarian, prostate, testicular and thyroid) have been increasing over the past 40–50 years.
 

There is a trend towards earlier onset of breast development in young girls in all countries where this has been studied. This is a risk factor for breast cancer. 

The prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes has dramatically increased worldwide over the last 40

years. WHO estimates that 1.5 billion adults worldwide are overweight or obese and that the number with type 2 diabetes increased from 153 million to 347 million between 1980 and 2008.

Close to 800 chemicals are known or suspected to be capable of interfering with hormone receptors, hormone synthesis or hormone conversion. However, only a small fraction of these chemicals have been investigated in tests capable of identifying overt endocrine effects in intact organisms.

The vast majority of chemicals in current commercial use have not been tested at all.  This lack of data introduces significant uncertainties about the true extent of risks from chemicals that potentially could disrupt the endocrine system.

Human and wildlife populations all over the world are exposed to EDCs.

There is global transport of many known and potential EDCs through natural processes as well as through commerce, leading to worldwide exposure.  Unlike 10 years ago, we now know that humans and wildlife are exposed to far more EDCs than just those that are persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

Levels of some newer POPs in humans and wildlife are still increasing, and there is also exposure to less persistent and less bioaccumulative, but ubiquitous, chemicals.  

 

New sources of human exposure to EDCs and potential EDCs, in addition to food and drinking water,

have been identified.

Children can have higher exposures to chemicals compared with adults—for example, through their hand-to-mouth activity and higher metabolic rate.  The speed with which the increases in disease incidence have occurred in recent decades rules out genetic factors as the sole plausible explanation. Environmental and other non-genetic factors, including nutrition, age of mother, viral diseases and chemical exposures, are also at play, but are difficult to identify. Despite these difficulties, some associations have become apparent: 

Non-descended testes in young boys are linked with exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) and

polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and with occupational pesticide exposure during pregnancy. Recent evidence also shows links with the painkiller paracetamol. However, there is little to suggest that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) or dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) are associated with cryptorchidism. 

 

High exposures to polychlorinated dioxins and certain PCBs (in women who lack some detoxifying enzymes) are risk factors in breast cancer. Although exposure to natural and synthetic estrogens is

associated with breast cancer, similar evidence linking estrogenic environmental chemicals with the disease is not available.  

 

Prostate cancer risks are related to occupational exposures to pesticides (of an unidentified nature), to some PCBs and to arsenic. Cadmium exposure has been linked with prostate cancer in some, but not all, epidemiological studies, although the associations are weak.

 

Comment from JES Organics: It is so important to be an educated consumer, read labels, use trusted natural products, avoid endocrine disrupting chemicals as much as possible.  Protect yourself and your family from the harmful effects of toxic chemicals. 

 

Reduce Unnecessary Chemical Exposure to Your Family

The list is endless and depressing of what you should avoid so let's focus on what you can do to lead a healthier lifestyle and minimize chemical exposures as much as possible. 

 

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).  Look at purified alkaline ionized water as a alternative.  The Alkal-Life 7000sL Water Ionizer utilizes a process, known as electrolysis, which is capable of breaking down large water molecules into smaller micro-clusters that are more completely absorbed by human cells, producing superior hydration and stimulating a range of health benefits:

• Slows the aging effects of oxidization
• Reduces exposure to disease from untreated water
• Promotes healthy weight loss through reduced acidity
• Boosts immunity for improved health and resilience
• Increases nutrient absorption for increased vitality

As much as possible, buy and eat organic produce and free-range, organic foods to reduce your exposure to pesticides and fertilizers.  Use the EWG list of the worst pesticide foods if you can’t afford to buy all organic, at least buy organic on the worst offenders of pesticides.  

Eat only wild caught fish that is lab tested for purify.  Avoid eating farm-raised fish, which are often heavily contaminated with PCBs and mercury.  Supplement with a high-quality purified krill oil, as even eating too much wild caught fish can have dangers.  

Use only natural brands of toiletries such as shampoo, toothpaste, antiperspirants and cosmetics. Don’t be fooled by labels and advertising, learn to read the ingredients of any products you are buying.  JES Organics offers some of the highest quality natural organic products that are non-toxic.  

Eat mostly raw, fresh foods, avoiding processed, prepackaged foods of all kinds. This way you automatically avoid artificial food additives, including dangerous artificial sweeteners, food coloring and MSG.

Use glass rather than plastic for food & beverage storage.  Avoid using plastic wrap and canned foods (which are often lined with BPA-containing liners).

Only use natural cleaning products in your home.  Baking soda & vinegar can be used for many household cleaning chores.  

Avoid using artificial air fresheners, dryer sheets, fabric softeners or other synthetic fragrances.  JES Organics has natural organic aromatherapy sprays that can be used around the house, on your body and on your clothing.  

 Replace your non-stick pots and pans with ceramic or glass cookware.

Avoid spraying pesticides around your home or insect repellants that contain DEET on your body. There are safe, effective and natural alternatives out there.   JESOrganics has an organic insect deterrent. 

 

When designing, buying a new home or re-modeling your existing home, look for "green," toxin-free alternatives for flooring, paint, wood, etc.  

Replace your vinyl shower curtain with a fabric shower curtain, or install a glass shower door. Most all flexible plastics, like shower curtains, contain dangerous plasticizers like phthalates.

Limit your use of drugs (prescription and over-the-counter) as much as possible. Drugs are chemicals too, and they will leave residues and accumulate in your body over time.

Household Hormonal Danger

Carl Lowe, September 11, 2012

An everyday chemical in many cosmetics, supplements, medicines, laundry soaps and air fresheners may be lowering your testosterone, disrupting your thyroid, making you vulnerable to diabetes and adding inches to your waistline. You can and should reduce your exposure to this chemical today before you become another one of its victims.

Research shows that a family of chemicals called phthalates is responsible for a whole host of health problems that besiege Americans. These chemicals are used as plasticizers in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic products to keep them durable and flexible. They are also used in household products with synthetic fragrances like cosmetics, lotions and shampoos to help disperse their scents. Plus, phthalates called dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and diethyl phthalate (DEP) are included as inactive ingredients in some medications and dietary supplements. They are used to slow absorption and make these pills and capsules “time release” their ingredients into the intestinal tract.

Reproduction Questions
A large body of research has indicated that exposure to phthalates is connected to the reduction of testosterone in men. Studies also show that these chemicals may be linked to extra inches around the waistline, insulin resistance and an increased risk for diabetes.

“Substantial declines in testosterone levels and sperm quality have been observed in the United States and other countries over the last several decades and it urgently requires explanation. While we can’t say yet that phthalates are a definite cause, I am certain they are on the list of chemicals that demands careful study,” notes researcher Richard Stahlhut, a preventive medicine resident at the University of Rochester.

In Stahlhut’s research, men who had the highest exposure to phthalates had more belly fat and insulin resistance than other men.

Studies on the effects of phthalates on women come up with similar results. When researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston looked at the phthalates in the urine of more than 2,300 women, they found that:

• Women with the highest levels of the chemicals mono-benzyl phthalate and mono-isobutyl phthalate had almost double the risk of diabetes compared to women with the lowest levels of those chemicals.
• Women with higher than median levels of the chemical mono-(3-carboxypropyl) phthalate experienced approximately a 60 percent increased risk of diabetes.
• Women with moderately high levels of the chemicals mono-n-butyl phthalate and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate suffered approximately a 70 percent increased risk of diabetes.

Thyroid Disruption
Phthalates also interfere with the vital functions of the thyroid. When researchers at the University of Michigan analyzed the blood and urine of more than 1,300 adults and 300 adolescents, they found that greater concentrations of urinary phthalate metabolites (as well as BPA, another chemical in plastics) were associated with greater impacts on serum thyroid measurements.

One study showed the strongest relationship between thyroid disruption and DEHP, a phthalate commonly used as a plasticizer. Other studies have shown that most of the DEHP we absorb is in the form of pollutants in our food. Urine samples showing the highest 20 percent of exposure to DEHP was associated with as much as a 10 percent decrease in certain thyroid hormones compared to urine samples at the lowest 20 percent of exposure.

Reduce Your Exposure To Phthalates
While you may not be able to avoid all exposure to phthalates, you can significantly reduce the presence of these chemicals in your personal environment:

• Avoid taking medications or supplements that list the ingredients dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and diethyl phthalate (DEP). These may also be ingredients in perfumes, nail polish, lotions, hair treatments, shampoo, deodorants and cologne.
• Watch out for BzBp (benzylbutyl phthalate), which may be an ingredient in cosmetics, flooring and other plastic products.
• Avoid insect repellents that list DMP (dimethyl phthalate) as an ingredient.
• Use unscented, hypoallergenic cosmetics and personal-care products. Any product that lists the words “fragrance” or “parfum” on the package may contain phthalates.
• Instead of a plastic shower curtain, use a cloth one made of cotton or another fabric that you can wash and reuse.
• Store refrigerated food in glass — not plastic.
• Don’t use plastic food containers in the microwave. The high temperatures may cause chemicals from the plastic to migrate to your food.
• Do not use air fresheners unless they incorporate pure essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances.
• Use unscented laundry soap.
• Other ingredients to avoid include: Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, dioctyl phthalate (DOP), and dimethyl phthalate (DMP).

Unfortunately, phthalates are part of the ocean of chemicals that surround us in daily life. And recent studies even link these chemicals to asthma. So if you want to breathe a little easier and lower your risk of many of the illnesses that modern flesh is heir to, avoid these toxins as much as you can.

Personal care products found to increase diabetes risk by 60 percent in women

Tuesday, July 31, 2012 by: John Phillip

(NaturalNews) Would you continue to liberally apply personal care products including moisturizers, nail polishes, soaps, hair sprays and perfumes if you knew that your risk of developing diabetes was dramatically increased? Many healthy-minded individuals are aware of endocrine-disrupting synthetic chemicals known as phthalates that are commonly found in plastic toys, electronics and adhesives, but few understand how these dangerous compounds can leach through our skin from the application of a host of common sprays, polishes and cosmetics.

A team of researchers from the Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) has published the result of their work assessing the health dangers of phthalates in the journal, Environmental Health Perspectives. In the past, scientists have closely monitored how the ingestion of the petrochemical, BPH disrupts metabolic homeostasis to increase risk of digestive disorders and certain lines of cancer. Less research has been published to document how the chemicals in common household products pass through our skin and nails to increase risk of cancer and diabetes.

To conduct the study, researchers analyzed urinary concentrations of phthalates in 2,350 women who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. They found that women with higher levels of phthalates in their urine were much more likely to have diabetes. Specifically, it was determined that women who had the highest levels of the chemicals mono-benzyl phthalate and mono-isobutyl phthalate had almost twice the risk of diabetes as compared to women with the lowest levels of those chemicals.

Synthetically produced personal care products disrupt homeostasis to promote metabolic dysfunction

The most startling finding in this research was that women with higher than average urine levels of mono-3-carboxypropyl phthalates (commonly found in soaps, cosmetics and skin care products) had approximately a 60 percent increased risk of diabetes. Women with moderately high levels of the chemicals mono-n-butyl phthalate and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (primarily from the application of hair spray and gas-propelled products) had approximately a 70 percent increased risk of diabetes.
The study leader, Dr.Tamarra James-Todd concluded "This is an important first step in exploring the connection between phthalates and diabetes... we know that in addition to being present in personal care products, phthalates also exist in certain types of medical devices and medication that is used to treat diabetes and this could also explain the higher level of phthalates in diabetic women."

We are under constant assault from a barrage of synthetic chemical compounds that have infiltrated many common household products and personal care items that are 'generally regarded as safe' by regulating authorities. This research only scratches the surface in an attempt to uncover the many health concerns surrounding many seemingly safe products that millions use every day. Always select products manufactured using natural ingredients and read product labels to avoid chemicals that are shown to dramatically increase risk of metabolic disorders and chronic illness.

Sources for this article include:
http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1289%2Fehp.1104717
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/07/120713083103.htm
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/247852.php

About the author:
John Phillip is a Health Researcher and Author who writes regularly on the cutting edge use of diet, lifestyle modifications and targeted supplementation to enhance and improve the quality and length of life. John is the author of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan', a comprehensive EBook explaining how to use Diet, Exercise, Mind and Targeted Supplementation to achieve your weight loss goal.  Visit My Optimal Health Resource to continue reading the latest health news updates, and to download your Free 48 page copy of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan'.