They have been linked to a number of diseases and disorders, such as lower sperm count in men and low psychomotor scores in babies in utero.[2]. Another report11 published in 2015 estimated the financial burden of EDC exposure in the European Union, producing a median cost of 157 billion euros or $209 billion annually for health care expenses related to IQ loss, intellectual disability, autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, obesity, diabetes, cryptorchidism, infertility and mortality associated with reduced testosterone levels. Containers can be lined with BPA, though many companies are moving toward BPA-free packaging. Organic foods have a 30 percent lower risk of pesticide contamination,17 but it's not entirely possible to guarantee organic produce is pesticide-free, as it is sometimes located in adjacent fields to farms where pesticides are used. They’ve been linked to hyperthyroidism and lower IQ.[6]. Hormones regulate everything from your reproductive processes to your metabolic functions. So are we! Research has shown that phthalates can prematurely signal testicular cells to die. Generally speaking, the acute effects of glycol ethers are limited to the central nervous system and are similar to acute solvent toxicity. May be incompatible with strong acids and with strong bases. You might also consider using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, which can cut down on toxic-laden house dust. 10 Common Routes of EDC Exposure and How to Avoid Them. Acute (short-term) exposure to high levels of the glycol ethers in humans results in narcosis, pulmonary edema, and severe liver and kidney damage. But hormones play an important role in maintaining your health. For example, the thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland located in your neck, is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism and other important functions. In 1997, Dr. Mercola integrated his passion for natural health with modern technology via the Internet. These effects include dizziness, headache, confusion, fatigue, disorientation, slurred speech and (if severe enough) respiratory depression and loss of consciousness. Invest in a good water filter that can remove these particles and ensure that your water is pure and fresh. Avoid by: Handling such products with care and minimize your exposure as much as possible. It has been shown to alter thyroid hormone levels.[11]. Once dioxins enter the body, they’re absorbed and stored in fat tissue. Furr, A. Keith. Or a fit of sadness your own teenager went through last week. EDCs can be natural or manmade, and they’re abundantly found in things you interact with everyday such as food, cosmetics, and plastic water bottles. If you do use plastic containers, do not heat food in them in the microwave. To limit exposure and protect your body, buy products from ethically driven and environmentally conscious brands that have your best interest at heart. Also, beware of water-resistant coatings on clothing, furniture, and carpets. How to avoid dioxins: Dioxins contaminate much of the American food supply. Continue Learning about Chemical Toxins We promise to keep your email address safe. Mainly, they: Endocrine disruptors can play many tricks on the body. Disruption in the glucocorticoid system has been linked to weight fluctuations, immunosuppression, insulin resistance, and osteoporosis. Also, when possible, avoid plastics with recycling label #7, since many of these plastics contain BPA (though not all). Organophosphate pesticides were developed to target the nervous systems of insects that disrupt agricultural practices and crop maintenance. Avoid by: Creating your own cleaning products using different combinations of vinegar, baking soda, essential oils and even coconut oil. Helpful for patients and clinicians alike, it will give you the peace of mind to know you are taking the next steps with intention and care. Also, since arsenic can be found in contaminated soil, washing and peeling vegetables is a good idea. If you're a cashier or bank teller who handles such papers often, you may want to wear gloves, especially if you're pregnant or of child-bearing age. Glycol, the principle ingredient in antifreeze, is typically mixed with water 50/50 to form a liquid “coolant” to transfer heat, raise boiling point temperature (above 225°F or 107°C) and lower the freezing temperature (below -32°F or -35°C). Dr. Joseph Mercola has been passionate about health and technology for most of his life. As such, it pays to partner with the most trusted chemical handlers in the business. When you think of hormones, you might think about a bad outbreak of acne when you were a teenager. They’re in our air and our soil. PFOA in particular has been linked to decreased sperm quality, low birth weight, kidney disease, thyroid disease, and cancers.[10]. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame retardants found in consumer products. Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) include a variety of man-made chemicals used across many industries since the 1940s. Higher mercury fish include king mackerel, shark, and swordfish. Of course, if you ingest enough arsenic, it can be fatal. PFCs are notorious for being resistant to biodegradation, meaning they easily build up in humans and the environment. [12] Research is also discovering that aerosol ether products may be linked to asthma and allergies. Mercury is known have adverse effects on the adrenal glands, as well as the thyroid, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland.[9]. DOW Glycol Ether products do not present a significant flammability hazard. But many people unknowingly ingest small doses that lead to widespread, chronic health problems. Cellosolve was a solvent product containing glycol ethers and registered in the 1920s by Carbide and Carbon Chemicals Corp. Glycol ethers are derived from either ethylene oxide (E-series) or propylene oxide (p-series) combined with an alcohol. EDCs can throw off your endocrine system in a number of ways. The Challenges of Safe Handling of Glycol Ethers. Minimize skin contact when using antifreeze and other consumer products containing ethylene glycol. Perchlorate is a chemical compound that is both natural and man-made. Here are a few of my favorites: To learn more about toxins and see what other steps you can take to limit your toxic burden, click here. Methoxyethanol is an E-series glycol ether derived from methanol and ethylene oxide. To avoid 2-butoxyethanol, read product labels and avoid products listing the ingredients noted above. How to reduce your exposure: Avoid household products with ingredients such as 2-butoxyethanol (EGBE) and methoxydiglycol (DEGME) by searching EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning. Don’t guess! For more information about mercury in fish, see the Mercury Policy Project’s website, Mercury and Fish: The Facts. Microplastics have made their way into the most remote parts of the ocean. The report also points out that causal links between exposure and manifestation of disease have been substantiated, as have low-dose effects. To get you started, see “Keep a Clean House With Nontoxic Cleaners.” Avoid scented products, including air fresheners, scented trash bags and so on. Diphenyl ethers ( PBDEs ) are flame retardants found in spray products such sardines. And ensure that your water is pure and fresh and help maintain whole-body balance or.! Paper is often coated with BPA Mercola has been shown to alter thyroid hormone levels [... 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