In this episode of Live. Well. Green, we talk about endocrine disruptors. We will explore what they are, how these chemicals affect our bodies, and how we can avoid them. As you will hear, endocrine disruptors are found in our everyday products, from cosmetics and detergents to pesticides and plastic containers, and are linked to all kinds of health problems, including hormone-related cancers such as breast, prostate, testicular, and thyroid cancers. In a study done on mice by Frederick vom Saal, it was discovered that even the most minor of hormonal shifts can have important repercussions on fetal development and affect the life of offspring well into adulthood. Research shows us that hormone function is essential and that when disruption occurs, the side-effects are unpredictable, diverse, and often permanent.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Learn what endocrine disrupters are and how they impact our hormonal responses. 
• The important functions of the naturally occurring hormones in the endocrine system.
• Hear about the book that first uncovered the serious consequences of endocrine disruption.
• Understanding that changes in one part of the body can have unexpected effects elsewhere.
• A fascinating study about the significant impact of hormonal shifts on fetal development.
• Learn about the endocrine-disrupting compound DDT and how it impacts wildlife.
• How DDT can remain in the human body for a prolonged period, causing delayed problems.
• The widespread use of diethylstilbestrol (DES) to prevent miscarriage from the 40s to 70s. 

Key Messages:

1. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals can affect the endocrine system and thus the hormones. 

2. These chemicals mimic our hormones or activate other hormone receptors. 

3. They are found in everyday products like pesticides, cleaning products, cosmetics, and more.  

4. Be especially wary of receipts, plastic products, the lining of metal cans, meat and fish products, old paint, and older non-stick pans. 

5. Buy certified products, choose organic produce, stay informed, and be an activist.      

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: 

Kristina Hunter Flourishing

Our Stolen Future 

Dirty Dozen List of Endocrine Disruptors (EWG)

Hormone Health Network – Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals 

EWG Video: What are Endocrine Disruptors? 

Endocrine Disruptors Fact Sheet by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

Mayo Clinic (What is BPA?)

Organizations Using ECOCERT Certification 

EU Ecolabel 

COSMOS

Nordic Swan Ecolabel 

Australian Certified Organic Certification

The Unexpected Gift Box