Hormone disruptors, or endocrine disruptors, are foreign substances that alter hormone balance in the body. These disruptors can alter hormone health and function, leading to unwanted health concerns. Common disruptors are found in food, water, air, and work environments. Understanding dioxins, polybrominated biphenyls, and other disruptors and help you avoid them and protect your health.
Dioxins
Dioxins are a group of highly toxic chemical compounds that are environmental pollutants. They belong to a larger group of chemicals known as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) due to their ability to resist degradation in the environment. Dioxins are formed as byproducts of industrial processes involving chlorine, such as waste incineration, chemical manufacturing, and pulp and paper bleaching.
Ways To Limit Dioxin Consumption
- Dietary Choices: Because dioxins can accumulate in animal fats, it’s advisable to choose lean meats and dairy products that are low in fat. Additionally, eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods can help reduce the risk of dioxin exposure.
- Fish Consumption: Some fish, especially those from contaminated waters, can contain high levels of dioxins. To reduce exposure, choose fish that are low in mercury and other contaminants, such as salmon, sardines, and trout, and limit consumption of fish from contaminated waters.
- Food Preparation: When cooking, grilling, or frying foods, trim excess fat to reduce dioxin exposure. Dioxins are more likely to accumulate in fat.
- Avoid Burning Household Waste: Burning household waste can release dioxins into the air. Instead, follow local guidelines for waste disposal and recycling.
- Drink Clean Water: Use a water filter that is certified to remove dioxins if your water source is potentially contaminated.
- Avoid Cigarette Smoke: Cigarette smoke contains dioxins and other harmful chemicals. Avoiding exposure to cigarette smoke can help reduce dioxin exposure.
- Support Regulations: Support and advocate for regulations that limit industrial emissions and reduce environmental contamination with dioxins.
- Use of Personal Care Products: Some personal care products, such as certain cosmetics and fragrances, may contain dioxins or dioxin-like compounds. Choosing products that are free from these contaminants can help reduce exposure.
- Home Gardening: Be cautious with home gardening practices, especially the use of treated wood or burning of yard waste, as these can be sources of dioxin exposure.
Polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs)
Polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) are a group of synthetic chemicals that belong to the class of compounds known as polybrominated compounds. PBBs are similar in structure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) but contain bromine atoms instead of chlorine atoms. PBBs were primarily used as flame retardants in a variety of consumer products, including electrical appliances, textiles, plastic foams, and other products.
Limiting Exposure to PBBs
- Limit Consumption of Animal Products: PBBs can accumulate in the fatty tissues of animals, so limiting consumption of high-fat animal products such as meat, dairy, and fish can help reduce exposure.
- Choose Organic Foods: Organic foods are less likely to contain PBBs and other synthetic chemicals used in conventional agriculture.
- Properly Dispose of Electronics: PBBs were used in the past as flame retardants in electronics. Properly dispose of old electronics to prevent PBBs from leaching into the environment.
- Avoid Products with Flame Retardants: Check product labels and avoid products that contain brominated flame retardants, which may include certain electronics, furniture, and textiles.
- Use a HEPA Air Purifier: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifiers can help remove airborne particles, including PBBs, from indoor air.
- Wash Hands and Surfaces: Wash hands and surfaces that may have come into contact with dust or soil that could contain PBBs.
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of synthetic organic chemicals that were widely used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications from the 1930s until their ban in the late 1970s. PCBs were valued for their chemical stability, high boiling point, and electrical insulating properties, which made them ideal for use in electrical equipment, hydraulic systems, and as additives in paints, plastics, and other products.
Reducing Consumption Of PCBs
- Reduce consumption of contaminated foods: PCBs can accumulate in the fatty tissues of animals, so try to limit your consumption of high-fat animal products, especially those from polluted areas.
- Choose safe fish: Some fish species may contain higher levels of PCBs due to environmental contamination. Choose fish that are low in PCBs, such as salmon, sardines, and trout, and avoid fish that are known to have higher levels, such as shark, swordfish, and king mackerel.
- Be cautious with old electrical equipment: PCBs were used in old electrical equipment, like transformers and capacitors. Be careful when handling or disposing of old equipment, and ensure that it is properly recycled or disposed of by professionals.
- Avoid contaminated areas: PCBs can be found in contaminated soil and water. Avoid spending time in areas known to be contaminated, especially if you are pregnant or have young children.
- Filter your water: Some water sources may be contaminated with PCBs. Use a water filter that is certified to remove PCBs if you are concerned about the quality of your water
- Choose organic foods: PCBs can be found in pesticides and herbicides used in conventional farming. Choosing organic foods can reduce your exposure to these chemicals.
- Reduce plastics use: Some plastics may contain PCBs or other harmful chemicals. Use alternatives like glass or stainless steel when possible, especially for food and beverage storage.
- Be aware of building materials: Some older building materials, such as caulk and insulation, may contain PCBs. If you are renovating or demolishing a building, take precautions to avoid exposure to PCBs in these materials.
Protect Your Hormone Health Today
Taking steps to protect your home health is essential. Consuming organic foods and supplements and using air filters can restore balance and protect against endocrine disruption. Download our free PDF for easy access on ways to optimize your health and wellness. You can also learn more by contacting our office.
