Freaked Out by Endocrine Disruptors? Read This (2024)

Ever since I first learned about the concept of endocrine disruptors, I've found that trying to keep up with the latest "silent killers" can be somewhat of a crazy-making experience. My last few months have been spent diligently trying to decipher the labels on all my personal-care products (from body washes to makeup), swapping out glass for plastic food/drink containers, and saying "no, thanks" to paper receipts… but is it enough?

Here's hoping. It's all part of my concerted effort to say sayonara to endocrine disruptors like bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalates—which can have a pretty potent effect on fertility. "Endocrine disruptors increase reproductive problems such as endometriosis and low sperm count because they affect hormones and the way cells communicate with each other," explains Jennifer Schmid, a Santa Clara, CA-based holistic nurse. "They also have a detrimental effect on fetuses and can cause birth defects and miscarriages."

Even more disturbing is that endocrine disruptors are found in a wide range of everyday items. For instance, phthalates are common in nail polish, fragrances, and personal-care products, while BPA is found in paper receipts, linings of food cans, and plastic items. Even our furniture can be a source, as it is often treated in flame retardant. "The bad news is that these chemicals are found everywhere in our environment," says Schmid. "The good news is that there are simple ways to avoid them."

So how can we effectively avoid them? That is the question. Let Schmid count the ways:

Just say "no" to plastic. While many BPA-free products have popped up on the market in response to growing awareness, the alternative chemicals may be just as scary. (A recent study published in Fertility and Sterility found that Bisphenol-F and Bisphenol-S reduced testosterone production and testicl* development in fetuses.) Therefore, glass is the way to go! A simple way to start is to swap out all plastic food containers and water bottles for glass; there are also some great "plastic-free"blogs chock-full of inspiration and ideas.

Handle receipts with care. "Most paper receipts are now coated in BPA, which is one of the worst known endocrine disruptors," says Schmid. The easy fix? Ask for receipts to be emailed when possible, in lieu of a paper copy; if that's not an option, be sure to wash your hands ASAP after handling paper receipts. (Also, pro tip: Avoid using hand sanitizer at the checkout counter—a recent study found that hand sanitizer use before touching receipts significantly increased the levels of BPA entering the body.)

Go organic. Yes, this piece of advice applies to food (since pesticides can act as an endocrine disruptor), but it also applies to everything from your mattress to your makeup. Schmid swears by organic skin-care products like Pangea Organics and makeup by Beeyootiful, and says that she's particularly careful to avoid nonorganic wheat, soy, and corn: "[These foods] are a particular problem, because most crops are sprayed with glyphosate before harvest, meaning that this toxin is absorbed into the kernels/beans before processing."

Put away the polyester. Even the clothes we wear can be a source of endocrine disruptors, especially if they're made from polyester. "Polyester pajamas are generally treated with flame retardant," says Schmid. "People should choose natural fabrics like cotton, wool, hemp, and silk over synthetic ones like polyester."

Drink filtered water (rather than bottled or from the tap). According to Schmid, tap water can often contain chlorines, chloramines, fluoride, and/or pharmaceuticals—all of which affect fertility—while bottled water comes in BPA-riddled plastic. To be on the safe side, anyone trying to conceive should stick to drinking filtered water out of a glass (or glass water bottle when on the go).

As I've learned, making these changes all at once may feel somewhat overwhelming, so Schmid recommends doing them incrementally and in a way that's realistic. "I'm a firm believer in making small steps that stick," says Schmid. "Healing happens over time."

Have you made an effort to rid your daily routine of endocrine disruptors? Share your secrets in the comments!