The Endocrine system is a composition of organ glands that produces hormones and uses them to regulate bodily functions such as metabolism, tissue and bone development, and sexual reproductions. The collection of glands, however, are vulnerable to certain chemicals; these chemicals are known as Endocrine disruptors, or EDs for short. EDs can mimic and manipulate glands to cause irregularities to produce tumors or cancers. To make matters worse, EDs are elusive; these chemicals are hard to take notice in everyday life and are often ignored. Which is the reason the article chosen relates to the ED chemicals found in everyday products, and offers advice in reducing and searching safer alternatives. Endocrine disruptors as said before, interfere
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It is nearly impossible to completely rid of any ED chemicals in everyday setting. However, better understanding and reducing them, still proves as a positive and contributes to a healthier lifestyle. Consider the personal care products like shampoos and conditioners, to cosmetics. These products contain an ED known as Phthalates; a “gender-bending” chemical that alters males in becoming more feminine, through reproductive issues and genital deformations. Another chemical found in these products is triclosan, a chemical that can mimic female and male hormones. Other areas where EDs can be found are in our drinking water and canned foods. Drinking water may be contaminated with atrazine, arsenic and perchlorate. Atrazine is known to completely disrupt gender reproductive functions, while arsenic and perchlorate can cause a multitude of irregularities. In canned foods, bisphenol-A(BPA) are found in certain food brands. BPA has been related to multiple health issues in pregnant women and young children. They can cause an array of issues that range from brain function, gender reproductive function and dysfunctional bone and tissue growth. Other chemicals to note; perfluorooctanoic acid found in non-stick cookware, is linked to thyroid cancer and infertility. Nonylphenol ethoxylates, found in laundry detergent, is known to completely convert male fish to female. All these chemicals can be found in a multitude of products: kitchenware,
It is nearly impossible to completely rid of any ED chemicals in everyday setting. However, better understanding and reducing them, still proves as a positive and contributes to a healthier lifestyle. Consider the personal care products like shampoos and conditioners, to cosmetics. These products contain an ED known as Phthalates; a “gender-bending” chemical that alters males in becoming more feminine, through reproductive issues and genital deformations. Another chemical found in these products is triclosan, a chemical that can mimic female and male hormones. Other areas where EDs can be found are in our drinking water and canned foods. Drinking water may be contaminated with atrazine, arsenic and perchlorate. Atrazine is known to completely disrupt gender reproductive functions, while arsenic and perchlorate can cause a multitude of irregularities. In canned foods, bisphenol-A(BPA) are found in certain food brands. BPA has been related to multiple health issues in pregnant women and young children. They can cause an array of issues that range from brain function, gender reproductive function and dysfunctional bone and tissue growth. Other chemicals to note; perfluorooctanoic acid found in non-stick cookware, is linked to thyroid cancer and infertility. Nonylphenol ethoxylates, found in laundry detergent, is known to completely convert male fish to female. All these chemicals can be found in a multitude of products: kitchenware,