An endocrine disrupter is a chemical that can disrupt or interfere with the proper functioning of the endocrine system. The endocrine system consists primarily of glands that produce hormones that help to guide the development, growth, reproduction, and behavior of human beings and animals. Hormones work by attaching to specialized receptors on cell surfaces. A problem can occur if a chemical (instead of a natural hormone) binds to the receptor and blocks the action of the hormone. Consequently, normal biological function can be blocked by the presence of endocrine disrupting chemicals.

These days there is growing evidence linking this class of chemicals to problems in humans. These include breast cancer, infertility, low sperm counts, genital deformities, early menstruation and even diabetes and obesity.

Endocrine disruptors are everywhere. They’re in thermal receipts that come out of gas pumps and A.T.M.’s. They’re in canned foods, cosmetics, plastics and food packaging. Test your blood or urine, and you’ll surely find them there, as well as in human breast milk and in cord blood of newborn babies.

• Food and drink storage: Avoid plastic:
  • Use refillable stainless steel or glass water bottles when on the go;
  • Store and heat food in glass, ceramic, or paper; not plastic
• Food packaging: Avoid BPA Opt for:
  • Fresh or frozen fruit and veggies;
  • Dry beans;
  • Food and drink packaged in glass, not cans;
• Fish: Avoid mercury, dioxin, and PCBs in fresh water fish and ocean fish:
  • Trim fat from all fish to minimize dioxin and PCBs;
  • Choose small non-predatory fish (salmon, perch, trout, tilapia, whitefish, pollock, etc) to minimize mercury;
• Pesticides: Teething toys: Give babies teethers made of natural materials: cotton, wood, etc.;
  • Opt for organic food (especially meat and dairy when possible) or food consistently low in pesticides (Get the list);
  • Use non-toxic strategies to fend off pests inside the home, on the yard, and on your pets;
  • Encourage non-toxic alternative to pesticides in your child’s school;
• Personal Care Products: Check cosmeticdatabase.org for a safety rating of over 69,000 personal care products. There’s a special section for “babies and moms” that lists baby wipes and diaper creams to avoid;