endocrine-disrupting chemicals

Hormonal imbalances caused by hundreds of chemicals tied to increased cancer risk

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  Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a serious environmental and health concern implicated in cancer development.  Specific chemicals, such as dioxin and cadmium for breast and thyroid cancer, arsenic, asbestos, dioxin for prostate cancer, and organochlorines/organohalogens for testicular cancer, are identified as potential carcinogens.

Breast cancer, in particular, is a common and tragic form of cancer that kills many women across the globe before their time and has a variety of causal factors.  Today, we’ll focus on how too many chemicals can cause hormonal imbalances that greatly contribute to your cancer risk.

Tiny troublemakers: EDCs and the sneaky impact on cancer risks

A recent study focused on environmental EDCs, a diverse group of compounds known to interfere with the endocrine system.  These chemicals, encountered daily by all of us, have been linked to various cancers.  The paper aimed to explore the carcinogenic activities of known EDCs, emphasizing their impact on public health.

The methodology involved a comprehensive literature review, specifically emphasizing meta-analyses and human studies concerning EDCs and cancer.  The results highlight the evolving definition of EDCs over the years and the lack of standardized criteria for testing new chemicals to ascertain their potential carcinogenicity.

Additionally, researchers established that assessing the full impact of human exposure to EDCs proves challenging, given that adverse effects may manifest at different ages, with evidence suggesting heightened vulnerability in developing fetuses and neonates.

What makes a carcinogen?

In the case of breast cancer, carcinogens act in a handful of specific ways.  They are estrogen receptor agonists, steroidogens, and genotoxic, indicating that they directly damage DNA.

One study looked at a list of “known carcinogens” and “possible carcinogens” in each category, along with other compounds and products that could potentially have carcinogenic effects.

The scientists identified over 900 compounds that caused tumors, some of which were a surprise.  The scientists suggested that their research should help guide the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and other health-focused organizational policies, as well as consideration of the formulation of a variety of products that people use every day.  But, in all honesty, these 3 letter government agencies will probably do nothing, since they are largely controlled by corporate interests.

How to reduce your risk of cancer

One of the easiest things you can do to reduce your risk of cancer is to be savvy about the ingredients in your products.  Many carcinogens found in the last 30 years occurred in products we thought were benign, such as talcum powder.  Research shows that there are hundreds if not thousands of chemicals being used right now that cause some type of cancer, and we just aren’t aware because there’s not enough data.

Natural products are always going to be the best bet, whether it’s skincare, health products, or unprocessed food.  Avoiding chemicals like glyphosate and other toxic herbicides, pesticides, paints, and other mechanical compounds as much as possible is another step in the right direction.  The compounds found by the researchers are often two basic to pinpoint specific products to avoid, but being alert about new developments in the field of cancer research is key.

While eating a healthy (organic) diet, getting adequate sleep, and exercising are no-brainers when it comes to good health and cancer prevention, there is a direct link between a disrupted gut microbiome and a variety of types of cancers, including breast cancer.  Eating a high-fiber diet with lots of fermented foods (rich in probiotics) could cut your risk of breast cancer significantly along with a variety of other cancers, specifically colorectal.

Stay on top of developing research, avoid unnecessary chemicals and processed foods, and live a clean life, all of which help reduce your risk of cancer.

Chemical exposure linked to rising diabetes, obesity risk: Endocrine Society releases scientific statement on endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

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Emerging evidence ties endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure to two of the biggest public health threats facing society — diabetes and obesity. EDCs contribute to health problems by mimicking, blocking or otherwise interfering with the body’s natural hormones. By hijacking the body’s chemical messengers, EDCs can alter the way cells develop and grow. Known EDCs include bisphenol A (BPA) found in food can linings and cash register receipts, phthalates found in plastics and cosmetics, flame retardants and pesticides. The chemicals are so common that nearly every person on Earth has been exposed to one or more.
Known EDCs include bisphenol A (BPA) found in food can linings and cash register receipts, phthalates found in plastics and cosmetics, flame retardants and pesticides. The chemicals are so common that nearly every person on Earth has been exposed to one or more.

Emerging evidence ties endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure to two of the biggest public health threats facing society — diabetes and obesity, according to the executive summary of an upcoming Scientific Statement issued today by the Endocrine Society.

The statement’s release comes as Society experts are addressing a global meeting, the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM4), in Geneva, Switzerland, on the importance of using scientific approaches to limit health risks of EDC exposure.

The statement builds upon the Society’s groundbreaking 2009 report, which examined the state of scientific evidence on endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and the risks posed to human health. In the ensuing years, additional research has found that exposure is associated with increased risk of developing diabetes and obesity. Mounting evidence also indicates EDC exposure is connected to infertility, hormone-related cancers, neurological issues and other disorders.

EDCs contribute to health problems by mimicking, blocking or otherwise interfering with the body’s natural hormones. By hijacking the body’s chemical messengers, EDCs can alter the way cells develop and grow.

Known EDCs include bisphenol A (BPA) found in food can linings and cash register receipts, phthalates found in plastics and cosmetics, flame retardants and pesticides. The chemicals are so common that nearly every person on Earth has been exposed to one or more. An economic analysis published inThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism in March estimated that EDC exposure likely costs the European Union €157 billion ($209 billion) a year in actual health care expenses and lost earning potential.

“The evidence is more definitive than ever before — EDCs disrupt hormones in a manner that harms human health,” said Andrea C. Gore, Professor and Vacek Chair of Pharmacology at the University of Texas at Austin and chair of the task force that developed the statement. “Hundreds of studies are pointing to the same conclusion, whether they are long-term epidemiological studies in human, basic research in animals and cells, or research into groups of people with known occupational exposure to specific chemicals.”

The threat is particularly great when unborn children are exposed to EDCs. Animal studies found that exposure to even tiny amounts of EDCs during the prenatal period can trigger obesity later in life. Similarly, animal studies found that some EDCs directly target beta and alpha cells in the pancreas, fat cells, and liver cells. This can lead to insulin resistance and an overabundance of the hormone insulin in the body — risk factors for Type 2 diabetes.

Epidemiological studies of EDC exposure in humans also point to an association with obesity and diabetes, although the research design did not allow scientists to determine causality. The research offers insights into factors driving the rising rates of obesity and diabetes. About 35 percent of American adults are obese, and more than 29 million Americans have diabetes, according to the Society’s Endocrine Facts and Figures report.

The Scientific Statement also examines evidence linking EDCs to reproductive health problems, hormone-related cancers such as breast and ovarian cancer, prostate conditions, thyroid disorders and neurodevelopmental issues. Although many of these conditions were linked to EDCs by earlier research, the number of corroborating studies continues to mount.

“It is clear we need to take action to minimize further exposure,” Gore said. “With more chemicals being introduced into the marketplace all the time, better safety testing is needed to identify new EDCs and ensure they are kept out of household goods.”

In the statement, the Society calls for:

  • Additional research to more directly infer cause-and-effect relationships between EDC exposure and health conditions.
  • Regulation to ensure that chemicals are tested for endocrine activity, including at low doses, prior to being permitted for use.
  • Calling upon “green chemists” and other industrial partners to create products that test for and eliminate potential EDCs.
  • Education for the public and policymakers on ways to keep EDCs out of food, water and the air, as well as ways to protect unborn children from exposure.

The statement also addresses the need to recognize EDCs as an international problem. Society members are currently meeting in Geneva for the fourth session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM4). Attending members, including Jean-Pierre Bourguignon, MD, PhD, Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Liège in Belgium, emphasize key principles of endocrinology that are confirmed by recent research need to be taken into account when developing policies for identifying and regulating endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

“Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals during early development can have long-lasting, even permanent consequences,” said Bourguignon. “The science is clear and it’s time for policymakers to take this wealth of evidence into account as they develop legislation.”