How Chemical Exposure Can
Damage the Endocrine System:
Have you heard of phthalates, phenols, and parabens? If you haven’t you aren’t alone, but you may want to learn more. In the last 20 years there has been concern from scientists about the effect that some chemicals can have on the endocrine system and the research is mounting. Some of the chemicals found in food, plastics, and even carpets are affecting the way our bodies produce and distribute important hormones. So, how can chemicals disrupt our bodies and make us sick? In this article we’ll discuss the endocrine system and how some toxic chemicals cause illness and even cancer.
The Endocrine System
Each gland in your body releases hormones into the bloodstream that have a specific function in your body. The endocrine system makes hormones that control your moods, metabolism, growth and development, organs, and reproduction. The endocrine system also controls how and when your hormones are released from glands and into the bloodstream to be carried to other parts of your body. If your endocrine system isn’t healthy it can lead to problems with getting pregnant, managing stress, weight gain or weight loss, weak bones, fatigue or high blood sugar.
Endocrine Disruptors
Over the last few decades, scientists have discovered that certain chemicals can become endocrine disruptors when they enter the body. This means that they can interfere with the functions of the endocrine system in humans and wildlife. Some chemicals can mimic a natural hormone, fooling the body into over-responding to the stimulus or responding at inappropriate times. For example, mimicking a growth hormone could lead to increased muscle mass. Endocrine disruptors can also block hormones from its normal receptors. Other disruptors directly stimulate or inhibit the endocrine system and cause overproduction or underproduction of hormones. Disturbing the normal function of the endocrine system can interfere with reproduction, immune and nervous system functions, and development and growth. Endocrine disruption can also lead to an increased risk of cancer.Some common chemicals that are known to be endocrine disruptors include:
- PCBs and Dioxins: These chemicals are found in pesticides and are created as a biproduct of combustion.
- Flame Retardants: These chemicals found in plastic, paint, furniture, electronics, and food and they can accumulate in organs over time. Some top food sources are meat, fish, dairy, eggs, and breastmilk.
- Phthalates: These chemicals are found in plastics, food packaging, cosmetics and cleaning agents. If a product has a fragrance, it probably contains phthalates.
- Bisphenol A: BPA is found in plastics, food packaging, and the liners of many food and beverage containers. In 2012, the EPA banned the use of BPA in baby bottles but it is still used in food packaging and food and beverage containers.
- Parabens: These are found in a wide range of products, including deodorant.
Some of the emerging research on our exposure to endocrine disruptors is alarming. It’s a good idea to think about and investigate what is in the food you eat and the products you use every day.Madeksho Law Firm has been helping victims of disease and illness due to toxic chemical exposure since 1972. For a free consultation, call us at 888-910-6376, or contact us here.
