Several scientific studies highlight the importance of avoiding exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) for individuals seeking to conceive. Research by Gore et al. (2015) demonstrated that EDCs can interfere with normal hormone signaling pathways, leading to adverse reproductive effects in both males and females. Additionally, another study found that exposure to EDCs, such as phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), was associated with significant decline in sperm concentration, total count, motility and morphology in couples trying to conceive. Furthermore, various studies concluded that exposure to EDCs during critical periods of development can disrupt endocrine homeostasis, potentially leading to reproductive disorders and impairments. Based on these studies, it is crucial for individuals who desire to conceive to minimize their exposure to EDCs to optimize reproductive health and improve their chances of successful conception.

What are EDCs?

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are substances that can interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system, which plays a critical role in regulating hormones in the body. EDCs can mimic, block, or alter hormone signals, leading to disruptions in various physiological processes. Think of party crashers at your own wedding ruining your wedding celebration! These chemicals are commonly found in a wide range of everyday products, including plastics, pesticides, personal care products, and household cleaning agents. For example, BPA, a well-known EDC and BPA alternatives BPF, BPS, BPE, BPTMC, BPAF and many more, are found in plastic containers, food packaging, and store receipts. Phthalates, another group of EDCs, can be found in cosmetics, fragrances, vinyl flooring, and food packaging materials. They are used to make plastics more flexible and harder to break. Additionally, certain pesticides used in agriculture, such as organochlorine pesticides and glyphosate-based herbicides, have also been identified as EDCs. Furthermore, flame retardants, found in furniture, electronics, and textiles, can act as EDCs and pose a potential risk to human health. Given the widespread use of these chemicals in daily life, it is essential to be aware of potential sources of exposure and take measures to minimize contact with EDCs, particularly for individuals planning to conceive, in order to safeguard their reproductive health and fertility. In all honesty, we cannot avoid them all, so we can just try to minimize sources of toxic exposures.

Here are five tips for how you can try to limit their use

1. Avoid harmful personal care and household products

The skin is our largest organ and what we put on our skin matters. It acts as a barrier to protect us, but it also absorbs all chemicals, circulates them to our bloodstream and to our organs. Everyday products have the potential to contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals, so check ingredients of your makeup products (including foundation, blush, and mascara), nail products, skin lotions, face creams, deodorants, body wash and hair products, sunscreen, toothpaste, perfumes, even scented candles, air fresheners, and cleaning products. Swap fragranced products to natural, essential oil-based options to limit your exposure even more. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) does a great job collating all chemicals and their negative effects and some apps use their database to identify contents in well-known products. Download Think Dirty (US), EWG Healthy Living (US) or CodeCheck (Europe) to start finding better options for you and your home. You can even save money by making your own cleaning products with vinegar, water, a little soap or sometimes bicarbonate and adding in some organic good quality drops of essential oils for a nice smell.

2. Eat local, organic (and seasonal) food

The food we consume can be a significant source of EDC exposure. To reduce exposure, prioritize consuming local, organic produce that is free from synthetic pesticides. Opting for seasonal foods ensures a fresher and more nutrient-rich diet. If you cannot afford to buy everything organic, read the EWG’s annual Clean Fifteen and Dirty Dozen list, which indicates the most and least contaminated fruits and vegetables. For your non-organic items, use a diluted white vinegar bath (one part white vinegar four parts water) to soak them in for at least 20 minutes to wash off as much pesticide as possible. Order food from local farms that deliver to you. Packaging should be kept minimal. Farmers markets are also a great way to get to know more local suppliers, and buy directly from them, with no plastic packaging. Also, don’t forget: never accept cash register receipts in food stores due to their high level of BPA content that is immediately absorbed through your skin.

3. Swap plastic to glass and stainless-steel

Plastics, especially those containing bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, are known EDCs that can leach into food and beverages, leading to potential reproductive harm. A study by Geueke et al. (2018) demonstrated that the use of glass and stainless-steel containers significantly reduced the migration of EDCs compared to plastic containers. Switching to these safer alternatives can help minimize exposure to harmful chemicals. They are a great way to store your meals and shop bought products, and create an easy storage option in your fridge and storage room, which is an added bonus!

4. Filter your water and indoor air

Water and indoor air can be sources of EDC contamination. Research by Gonsioroski et al. (2020) suggests that drinking water contaminated with EDCs, such as pharmaceuticals and pesticides, can adversely affect reproductive health. Installing a high-quality water filter that removes these contaminants is recommended. Similarly, indoor air pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cleaning products and furniture, can contain EDCs. Using air purifiers and choosing non-toxic cleaning supplies helps maintain healthier indoor air quality. Make sure to let fresh air in every day to mitigate inhalation of toxic substances from your household products and furniture.

5. Use non-toxic cookware

Cookware coated with certain chemicals can release EDCs when heated, contaminating food. For instance, perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) used in non-stick cookware have been linked to reproductive issues. Research by Laws et al. (2021) suggests that these chemicals can accumulate in the body and affect fertility. Opting for non-toxic alternatives like ceramic, cast iron, or stainless-steel cookware can help minimize exposure to EDCs during food preparation.

Final thoughts

The list might seem and feel overwhelming, trust me, it is! So, if you are planning to overhaul your life and try to avoid EDCs in the future, set realistic goals for yourself. Pick one of the five tips at a time. If you feel, you would like to swap to less-toxic options, research the ingredients, the products and don’t just read the marketing slogans. Your chosen product/food might also be dependent on your finances. You might swap your plastic containers to glass containers in the first month. You might start buying some organic and seasonal foods the next. The third month you may buy new makeup and personal care products and research how easily you can actually swap harsh household chemicals with natural cleaning products that you can make at home. Every change to the right direction is a win. Don’t be disheartened if it doesn’t happen in a month or two. The changes you make will impact your and your partner’s health, giving you higher chances to conceive a healthy baby in the future.

My article was published in full in Female Health & Fertility Magazine, Issue 4, p.36-40

References

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Geueke, B., Groh, K., Jane Muncke, J. (2018). Food packaging in the circular economy: Overview of chemical safety aspects for commonly used materials. Journal of Cleaner Production, 193, 491-505. doi.org/10.1016/j. jclepro.2018.05.005

Gore, A. C., Chappell, V. A., Fenton, S. E., Flaws, J. A., Nadal, A., Prins, G. S., Toppari, J., & Zoeller, R. T. (2015). EDC-2: The Endocrine Society’s Second Scientific Statement on Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals. Endocrine reviews, 36(6), E1–E150. doi.org/10.1210/er.2015-1010

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