What chemicals are EDCs?

The following examples of EDCs are all related to familiar objects in our daily lives, and can be found in the environment and in our bodies. 

Bisphenol A (BPA): Bisphenol A is found in hundreds of everyday objects, such as eye glasses, computer casing and plastic food containers and dishes from which BPA can leach into food. BPA is also used as a food preservative, as internal coatings inside tins, jars and lids. 

Certain phthalates: Phthalates are a group of substances used as softeners in plastic products. They principally found as flexible polyvinylchloride (PVC), which is often used in flooring, medical tubing for drips, shoes and gadgets. Phthalates can also be found around our homes as texturing agents, solvents and fixatives, fragrances in cosmetics and perfumes.

Parabens: Propyl and butyl parabens are preservatives used in personal care products or as food additives.

Perfluorinated chemicals (PFOA, PFOS): Perfluorinated chemicals are a family of halogenated polymers used in non-stick cookware (such as frying pans); textiles and products which have been treated to resist stains; packaging; and cosmetics. 

Flame retardants: Flame retardants are heavily used to prevent furniture around our homes from catching fire. They can be found in bedding, fabrics, building isolation, electronic goods and vehicles. 

Heavy metals: Heavy metals, such as mercury, are often still used in dental fillings. 

Certain pesticides: Many agricultural pesticides, including glyphosate and chlorpyrifos, can end up in our bodies as residues from processing fruits and vegetables. 

Visit the TEDX List of Potential Endocrine Disruptors for a full overview of chemicals that have shown evidence of hormone disruption in scientific research.