Understanding the potential dangers of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) hidden in the products we use on a daily basis can be a daunting task. CheckED is a groundbreaking new online tool that allows users to create a digital map of their home and daily routines, offering personalised recommendations to reduce exposure to these harmful chemicals.
When we think of hazardous chemicals, we often picture industrial plants or polluted areas. But the truth is, dangerous substances are often lurking much closer to home - right in our everyday products. From cleaning supplies to cosmetics, the products we use daily can expose us to harmful chemicals. This is where CheckED steps in, offering an online tool to reveal and combat this silent threat.
The tool is available in multiple languages, including Czech, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Portuguese, Polish, Swedish, and Turkish.
Science at your fingertips
CheckED is a result of a collaboration between several EDC-Free Europe members and was developed in the EU-funded NonHazCity-3 and LIFE ChemBee projects. Developed by a team of dedicated scientists, including biotechnologists, chemical analysts, and clinical dieticians, the online tool leverages extensive scientific databases and advanced algorithms.
Users are invited to fill out a questionnaire, digitally mapping out the items in their household that may contain harmful chemicals. With just a few taps, the web-based tool estimates your individual exposure to selected hazardous endocrine disruptors and recommends ways to reduce exposure. CheckED also allows users to come back and compare results after making changes to their daily habits.
How to get started
To use the CheckED online tool, navigate to the website and select "Start Your First Check." The tool allows you to complete the process without disclosing personal data; instead, a unique and anonymous user ID is generated when you begin a new session. You'll be prompted to answer questions about yourself, your indoor environment, and certain lifestyle habits. Upon completion, you'll receive a personalised analysis of your exposure to four groups of common endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The tool uses a color-coded system (green, yellow, and red) to indicate your level of exposure.
Start using the CheckED online tool today to uncover hidden risks in your daily life.
For more information about the initiative, read the official announcement introducing the tool.
To learn more about the links between EDCs and women’s health, read the recommendations on hormonal balance issued as part of the LIFE ChemBee project.
Supported by the EU through the LIFE programme, the LIFE ChemBee initiative involves 11 partner organisations across Austria, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Poland, Portugal and Sweden.
EDC-Free Europe partners that have been involved in the development of the CheckedED project include Arnika, Ecocity, Global 2000, Reseau Environnement Santé, the Swedish Consumers Association, and ZERO. In addition to these partners, the project also features BEF-DE, Fundacja Kupuj Odpowiedzialnie, Yeşil Çember, and Turku University of Applied Sciences.