Endocrine Disruptors and Carcinogenesis

In addition to being directly carcinogenic, several environmental toxins lead to carcinogenesis through the process of endocrine disruption. The World Health Organization (WHO) article on July 1, 2024, titled ‘Protecting health from hazardous chemicals: European countries agree on regional priorities’, is an example of the steps being taken to minimize the exposure to such “gender benders”. In attempts to advance the actions being taken by governments worldwide on chemical safety, this was the focus of a recent WHO-led meeting. They report that in Europe, human exposure to chemicals caused 269,500 deaths in 2019 alone. (1)

Innumerable chemicals in our environment, including heavy metals, polyfluorinated substances, and those in plastics, can be carcinogenic, mutagenic, and toxic to our reproductive and immune systems. (1) People may be exposed to such environmental endocrine disruptors through their multiple pathways, including the food they eat, the beverages they drink, and even the cosmetics used on their skin. Contact with these chemicals can literally occur through everyday living as they are in the soil, water, and air. More specifically, some of these endocrine disrupters include Bisphenol A, Phthalates, DDT, and DES, just to name a few.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical found in polycarbonate plastics, such as in plastic food storage containers, paper receipts, food packaging (such as cans), and children’s toys. (2) BPA is well-known to have estrogenic activity, which is likely why it has been shown in cell studies to have a role in the development of hormone-related cancers, particularly breast, ovarian, cervical, endometrial, and prostate. (3-5)

Phthalates are a class or group of compounds, including diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), used as a plasticizer to produce polyvinyl chloride (PVCs). These can be found in food packaging, cosmetics (nail polish, hairspray, aftershave, cleansers, shampoo), medical devices, fragrances, and children’s toys (2). There has been some published evidence that these can reduce testosterone, estrogen levels, and thyroid hormones. (6) These effects can lead to a wide range of health consequences, including infertility in men and women, issues with fetal development, diabetes, obesity, and thyroid dysfunction. (6-8) Chronic exposure may also be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and negative impacts on sociosexual behavior. (6, 7, 9) In 2008, the US Congress permanently banned products containing >0.1% by weight of DEHP and other phthalates in consumer products because of some of these findings.

So, how can we minimize our exposure if these chemicals are everywhere?

• Use glass or stainless steel Tupperware instead of plastic.
• Do not heat plastics in the microwave.
• Use reusable sandwich bags instead of plastic bags or cling wrap.
• Buy foods and drinks kept in glass rather than plastics.
• Filter tap water and use a reusable water bottle, avoiding plastic bottled water.
• Avoid plastics marked with a number 3 or 7 on the bottom, as they are likely made with BPA and/or phthalates.
• Minimize use of fragranced cosmetic products.
• Minimize use of cosmetics that do not list their ingredients.