What are endocrine disruptors?
Have you heard of endocrine disruptors, parabens and phthalates? Here you get a chance to learn more.
Where can you find endocrine disruptors?
Endocrine disruptors can be found in common products such as:
- Make-up
- Skin care
- Hair care
- Plastic packaging
- Toys
- Clothes
- Detergent
- Paint
- Electronics
There are around 1,000 different chemicals that are endocrine disruptors. But what are they called?
In a list of ingredients, you can find endocrine disruptors under "pseudonyms" such as: bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, PCBs, nonyl and octhylphenols, organotin compounds (TBT) and butylparabens. Dioxins and other organochlorine pesticides are also endocrine disruptors, but they are rare in the bathroom cabinet.
Harms both health and the environment
Endocrine disruptors are everywhere. They have been found in freshwater on all continents of the world. The substances come from both wastewater from private households and from industries. Humans, animals and yes, all living organisms, can be affected by them.
What harm can they cause?
The endocrine system controls many important body functions through hormones. Disruptions to this system can cause serious health issues, including but not limited to, reduced fertility. Fetuses are particularly susceptible to them during the periods when hormone-controlled organs and glands are developing. It is also suspected that endocrine disruptors may contribute to reduced sperm quality, testicular cancer, premature puberty, obesity and type 2 diabetes. Endocrine disruptors can affect society for generations.
You do not become acutely ill from coming into contact with endocrine disruptors. The problem is that we are constantly surrounded by endocrine disruptors and that we know too little about how they can affect us in the long term. However, since the effects can be serious, there is every reason to avoid them if you can. Get help from the Nordic Swan Ecolabel and you don't have to read lists of ingredients and become a chemical expert.
The Nordic Swan Ecolabel adheres to the precautionary principle. This means that, where there is not enough information about how a substance affects humans and the environment, we choose to exclude it rather than allow it. Nordic Swan Ecolabelled products exclude substances that are, or are suspected of being, endocrine disruptors.