I know the title sounds a little scary, but stay with me... this interview with Dr. Leo Trasande actually has an optimistic tone with lots of simple ideas on how we can avoid endocrine (hormone) disruptors and why we should be mindful about these. Below are some of the key points and takeaways: Why Avoid Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals Hormones are critical for numerous functions in the body -- including brain health, metabolism, and sexual / reproductive functions. "Endocrine disrupting chemicals are synthetic foreign molecules that hack those natural signals and thereby contribute to disease and disability." Specifically, Dr. Trasande touched on their links to: "cognitive deficits, autism, ADHD, obesity, diabetes, coronary artery disease and stroke [highly linked to testosterone reductions], [with] substantial evidence that these chemicals may contribute to breast and prostate cancer... not to mention other endocrine cancers" (which include thyroid and pancreatic) (1:03:52). He also discusses how "phthalates are known to mess with sperm production" and cause "reductions in testosterone"(45:36). The good news: there's "evidence that you can reduce the severity of these diseases by preventing exposure" (1:04:27). However, the notion that "the dose makes the poison" isn't necessarily the case with these chemicals. Even "extremely small doses can trigger hormone changes" in some people (20:31), so prevention is the best approach. Evidence is strongest in 4 categories: Actionable Tips: Eat organic. Prioritize based on the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen. Check farmers markets and the frozen section for lower cost options. Open your windows everyday to let in fresh air and use a wet mop (I've also heard strong recommendations for regular vacuuming for the same reason: to remove flame retardants and SVOCs that can ride on dust). Use glass and stainless steel for food storage (48:26). And I would add baby bottles and sippy cups to this point. Avoid plastics with recycling numbers 3, 6 & 7 on the bottom (49:01). Also, "microwave safe" just means the plastic won't warp... it doesn't mean it's safe or won't leach plastic into your food (47:19). Same reason to avoid plastic in the dishwasher (47:51). Avoid products made with "fragrance." This catch-all term for thousands of ingredients is an "industry loophole for chemicals that can be added with dubious and potentially toxic ingredients"(49:45). Avoid canned food. "BPA got a lot of attention because there was evidence of significant effects on kids' development; the chemical industry replaced BPA with BPS, BPZ, PBF, BPP, [etc.]. Evidence tells us these are equally problematic. We know that BPS is as estrogenic, as toxic to embryos and as persistent in the environment as BPA." (53:02). Avoid receipts with thermal paper (made with BPA). And keep in mind that hand sanitizer increases absorption of these chemicals.
Please let me know you'd like tips for tackling any of these. I've made lots of adjustments over the years and am happy to share product swaps or advice if you have questions! | 
