Impact of Endocrine Disruptors on Health

Endocrine Disruptors in Plastics and Pesticides Can Cause Global Health Threats

A new report by the Endocrine Society and the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN), titled “Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals: Threats to Human Health,” reveals the increasing health risks associated with Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) found in everyday environments. Presented during the U.N. Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) meeting in Nairobi, the report highlights the pervasive presence of EDCs in plastics, pesticides, consumer products, and per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). 

In addition to plastics and pesticides, the report looks at EDC exposures such as arsenic and lead, and from widely used perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These various chemicals and metals have been linked to a range of serious health issues, including reproductive disorders, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, with pregnant women and children at particularly high risk.

The report details how EDCs, which interfere with natural hormone functions, are becoming more prevalent as global production of plastics and pesticides increases. Studies have identified harmful effects from widely used substances such as glyphosate, bisphenols, and phthalates, demonstrating their potential to disrupt hormonal systems and contribute to various diseases. Despite the growing body of evidence on the harmful impacts of EDCs, current regulations remain inadequate, often failing to protect against the low-dose effects of these chemicals.

At UNEA-6, IPEN also introduced a report on the global threat from Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs), emphasizing the ongoing health and environmental risks, particularly in lower-income countries. The study calls for a global strategy to manage EDCs based on the latest scientific understanding aimed at safeguarding human health and the right to a healthy environment. It emphasizes the urgent need for updated regulations and international cooperation to effectively address the threats posed by EDCs.

Access Medical Labs’ Heavy Metals panel is a powerful tool for managing some of the health threats posed by EDCs. This test measures the levels of both toxic and nutritional metals, including lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium, which are often found in consumer products and are known or suspected EDCs. By enabling physicians to detect and quantify exposure to these harmful metals, the Heavy Metals Panel facilitates timely and targeted intervention strategies.