You might be surprised to learn that many common items in your home contain chemicals that can mess with your hormones. These chemicals are called endocrine disruptors, and they have the potential to interfere with your body’s natural hormone production, causing everything from reproductive issues to developmental problems and even contributing to certain cancers. This is not meant to scare you, but it’s important to be aware so you can take your health into your own hands! The good news? You can reduce your exposure by making a few simple swaps.
What is an Endocrine Disruptor?
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with the endocrine system—our body’s hormone-regulating system. Hormones control everything from growth, metabolism, and development to reproduction and mood. When these disruptors enter your body, they can mimic, block, or alter hormone levels, which can lead to a variety of health problems. Even small amounts of these chemicals can have significant long-term effects.
Why is this important? Because exposure to these chemicals over time can lead to hormonal imbalances, infertility, birth defects, developmental delays, and even cancer. The worst part is, many of these chemicals are hidden in products we use every day.
Now, let’s go through 15 common endocrine disruptors found in everyday household items and how you can swap them out for safer alternatives.
1. BPA in Plastics and Canned Goods
Why it’s bad: Bisphenol A (BPA) is often found in plastic containers, water bottles, and the linings of canned goods. BPA mimics estrogen, which can disrupt reproductive systems, contribute to breast cancer, and affect brain development in children.
Swap it: Use stainless steel or glass containers for food storage and drink bottles. Look for “BPA-free” labels on cans, or opt for fresh or frozen foods instead.
These are my favorite glass food storage containers.
2. Phthalates in Vinyl Products and Personal Care Items
Why it’s bad: Phthalates are used to make plastics more flexible and are often found in personal care products like lotions and shampoos. These chemicals disrupt testosterone levels, which can affect fertility and development, especially in males.
Swap it: Choose personal care products labeled “phthalate-free” and switch to natural materials like cotton or glass for household items instead of vinyl or plastic.
This is one of my favorite phthalate-free shampoo and conditioner brands.
3. Parabens in Cosmetics and Skincare
Why it’s bad: Parabens are preservatives used in cosmetics and skincare products to prevent bacterial growth. They mimic estrogen, potentially leading to hormonal imbalances and an increased risk of breast cancer.
Swap it: Opt for paraben-free cosmetics and skincare products. Brands promoting “clean beauty” or “organic” often avoid parabens.
Honest is one of my go-to brands for clean and effective skincare and cosmetics.
4. Triclosan in Antibacterial Products
Why it’s bad: Triclosan is an antibacterial agent found in soaps, toothpaste, and deodorants. It interferes with thyroid hormones and has been linked to antibiotic resistance.
Swap it: Use regular soap and water for cleaning, or choose products specifically labeled “triclosan-free.”
Method is my go-to brand for all of my soap needs.
5. Perfluorinated Chemicals (PFCs) in Nonstick Cookware
Why it’s bad: PFCs are used to make nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and water-repellent products. They can disrupt thyroid function and have been linked to cancer and developmental problems.
Swap it: Ditch the Teflon! Use cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic cookware, and choose fabrics without water- or stain-resistant coatings.
Stainless steel is my go-to for cookware! Here is the set that I have.
6. Flame Retardants in Furniture and Electronics
Why it’s bad: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), used as flame retardants, can disrupt thyroid hormones, affect brain development, and lead to reproductive problems.
Swap it: Look for furniture labeled “PBDE-free,” and when possible, choose natural materials for cushion-fill like wool or cotton, which are naturally flame-resistant.
My couch is from Medley, and I couldn’t be happier with it!
7. Pesticides on Produce
Why it’s bad: Many conventional pesticides act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with hormones and leading to fertility issues, developmental delays, and cancers.
Swap it: Buy organic fruits and vegetables when possible, especially for produce on the “Dirty Dozen” list. Washing produce thoroughly can also reduce pesticide residue.
Check out my post on the Dirty Dozen.
8. Synthetic Fragrances in Air Fresheners and Cleaning Products
Why it’s bad: Synthetic fragrances often contain phthalates and other endocrine disruptors that can mimic or block hormones, affecting reproductive health and causing allergic reactions.
Swap it: Opt for fragrance-free products or those scented with essential oils. Diffusing natural oils can replace synthetic air fresheners.
Grove Co. is my absolute favorite brand for cleaning products.
9. Dioxins in Bleached Paper Products
Why it’s bad: Dioxins are byproducts of the bleaching process in paper production and can disrupt hormones, particularly affecting reproductive and immune systems.
Swap it: Use unbleached paper products or products labeled as chlorine-free, including paper towels and feminine hygiene products.
Silk n’ Soft is my go-to for toilet paper, and Betterway has my favorite unbleached paper towels. For those who menstruate, check out Oi for all period products.
10. Lead in Old Paint and Plumbing
Why it’s bad: Lead exposure, often from older homes, can interfere with hormone regulation and affect brain development, particularly in children.
Swap it: If you live in an older home, test for lead in paint and water. Use lead-safe practices for any home renovations and consider replacing old plumbing.
11. Cadmium in Jewelry and Batteries
Why it’s bad: Cadmium, found in cheap jewelry and batteries, can disrupt hormone function, and long-term exposure has been linked to kidney disease and cancer.
Swap it: Avoid inexpensive costume jewelry and opt for high-quality, certified safe alternatives. Recycle batteries properly and avoid cadmium-containing products.
12. Perchlorate in Drinking Water
Why it’s bad: Perchlorate, a component of rocket fuel, can contaminate water supplies and interfere with thyroid hormone production.
Swap it: Install a reverse osmosis water filter, or check your local water report to see if perchlorate is a concern in your area.
This is a great counter-top option for those who don’t want to commit to an under-sink filter just yet.
13. Glycol Ethers in Paints and Cleaning Products
Why it’s bad: Found in paints, cleaning products, and cosmetics, glycol ethers are linked to decreased fertility and hormone disruption.
Swap it: Look for low-VOC or VOC-free paints and cleaning products made from natural ingredients.
Evolve is a low-VOC, eco-friendly paint option with beautiful finishes!
14. Atrazine in Lawn Care Products
Why it’s bad: Atrazine is a widely used herbicide that can disrupt endocrine function, particularly affecting fertility and reproductive health.
Swap it: Choose organic or natural lawn care products, and consider reducing lawn size to minimize the need for herbicides.
Espoma is my go-to brand to keep my lawn looking beautiful year-round!
15. Alkylphenols in Detergents and Cleaners
Why it’s bad: Alkylphenols, found in laundry detergents and industrial cleaners, can disrupt hormone balance, particularly affecting estrogen receptors.
Swap it: Switch to eco-friendly, plant-based detergents and cleaners without alkylphenols.
Molly’s Suds is my absolute favorite for all of my laundry needs.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Home
Endocrine disruptors are more common than we’d like to think, but by making small, simple swaps in your daily routine, you can reduce your exposure and protect your health. Start with the products you use most, like plastics, personal care items, and cleaning products, and work your way toward creating a cleaner, safer home environment.
Have you made any swaps to reduce endocrine disruptors in your home? What challenges have you faced, or what swaps have worked well for you? Share your experience in the comments below!
Sources:
- Diamanti-Kandarakis E, et al. (2009). Endocrine-disrupting chemicals: An Endocrine Society scientific statement. Endocrine Reviews.
- Gore AC, et al. (2015). EDC-2: The Endocrine Society’s Second Scientific Statement on Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals. Endocrine Reviews.
- Bergman Å, et al. (2013). State of the science of endocrine disrupting chemicals 2012. World Health Organization.
- Vandenberg LN, et al. (2012). Hormones and Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: Low-Dose Effects and Nonmonotonic Dose Responses. Endocrine Reviews.
