Endocrine disruptors: what they are and how they affect your health

The term "endocrine disruptors" is becoming increasingly prominent in our society, but do you really know what they are and how they affect our health?

Endocrine disruptors, "silent" enemies

Endocrine disruptors are substances, or combinations of them, that interfere with the functioning of the endocrine system, potentially affecting our health.

The endocrine system is the system in our body responsible for producing hormones. Endocrine disruptors can therefore disrupt the hormonal processes that regulate development, growth, reproduction, metabolism, etc.

Because they affect the endocrine system, they can impact our body especially during periods of hormonal change, which is why we consider the period from pregnancy to adolescence to be particularly vulnerable to the effects of endocrine disruptors.

The harm caused by these substances can be passed on to our descendants.

How do endocrine disruptors work?

Endocrine disruptors in our body can act in the following ways:

1. Mimicking the action of the hormone.
2. Binding to the hormone receptor, blocking its action.
3. Altering the hormone's metabolism: its synthesis, transport or breakdown.

Where are endocrine disruptors found?

Endocrine disruptors are part of our environment, our everyday lives, and we are all exposed to them. The most common ones are found in various household products, foods, cosmetics and the environment. Some of these are:

• Parabens: antimicrobial preservatives used to prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria in cosmetic products, foods and medicines. Examples: methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben.
• Phthalates: they fix fragrances and improve the flexibility of some products. They are also found in plastics such as PVC. Example: Diethyl phthalate (DEP).
• Phenoxyethanol: one of the most common preservatives in cosmetics.
• Alkylphenols: an emulsifier in some formulas used in cleaning products and industrial agents. Example: nonylphenol and octylphenol.
• Bisphenol A (BPA): found in plastic packaging.
• Triclosan: an antimicrobial preservative used in hygiene and cosmetic products.
• Pesticides and herbicides: such as atrazine, chlorpyrifos, DDT and glyphosate.

Endocrine disruptors, how they are controlled

Don't panic! The relevant authorities in each region have carried out various studies to determine which active ingredients may or may not be used in product manufacturing and at what concentration they must be included so as not to affect public health.

Current regulations

The European Union (EU) has some of the most restrictive legislation relating to cosmetics and endocrine disruptors:

• Regulation (EC) 1223/2009: establishes that cosmetic products must be safe for human health under normal conditions of use.
• REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) is the body in the EU responsible for assessing and setting restrictions on chemical substances, requiring the necessary studies.
• The EU carries out continuous assessment; in this way, ingredients are added to the list of prohibited or restricted substances depending on studies and research.

In the assessment of an endocrine disruptor, different criteria are established: evidence of hormonal interference, evidence of adverse effects, and the causal relationship (proving that endocrine interference causes the observed effects).

Progress is constantly being made in the field of endocrine disruptors: more "transparent" product labels are being offered, allowing consumers to clearly identify the active ingredients in a formula; more studies and products with endocrine disruptor-free certifications are appearing; and research is expanding in order to establish regulations.

Prevention of endocrine disruptors

If, despite current regulations and progress, you still prefer to avoid or limit them, we recommend:

• Reading labels to identify these substances.
• Limiting the use of products containing these active ingredients.
• Choosing products with endocrine disruptor-free certifications.
• Eating fresh food to avoid plastic packaging.

Pharmaceutical recommendation

• Skincare: You can rest assured that current regulations control substances that are harmful to health and thoroughly monitor their presence or concentration in different cosmetics. However, it is always worth considering laboratories that invest in studies to establish certifications confirming that the cosmetic is free from endocrine disruptors or contains them at appropriate concentrations.
• Clothing:Choose natural fibres and wash all clothing (including household textiles) when you buy it.
• Household products: You can take action by limiting quantities and also using eco-friendly products.
• Utensils: Avoid or limit the use of objects or utensils made from plastic; if you do use them, avoid exposing them to sunlight. You can use alternative materials, such as glass, stainless steel or iron.
• Diet: Pay particular attention to food hygiene. Choose organic products. If food packaging is plastic, transfer it to a glass container.

Endocrine disruptors, what should you do?

Endocrine disruptors represent a challenge for public health and the environment. They are substances that can cause changes in our endocrine system, seriously affecting our health. This is supported by multiple studies.

We must trust current research and the relevant authorities. Through increasingly restrictive legislation, they limit or eliminate their use and therefore exposure to these substances from the product manufacturing stage.

Collaboration between researchers, governments and industry is vital in order to establish global regulations and create a healthier future for the population.

In the meantime, our role is to develop greater awareness and put the various pharmaceutical recommendations into practice.