Hormones are chemical messengers that turn processes on and off in our bodies. Just as a key fits into a lock, a particular hormone fits into receptor sites on the cells in order to set the process in motion or turn it off. Some chemicals in our environment can do the same thing, because their molecular structure is very similar to the molecular structure of some natural hormones, such as estrogen. These chemicals are called endocrine disrupters, because they can mimic and disrupt the body’s normal endocrine (hormoneproducing) system. Unlike hormones, which break down when they’re no longer needed, endocrine disrupting chemicals break down slowly and persist in the body for a long time. They turn the lock to the on position and leave it stuck there, possibly for years.
What are these chemicals and how are they gaining access to our bodies? Endocrine disrupters are in the hormones used to process our meat, fish, and milk, the pesticides on our fruits and vegetables, the additives in our processed food, the plastics in our bottles, and the solvents in the cleaning fluids we use. Examples of these chemicals include plastics such as BPA, PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid or C8), and PVC. BPA is a synthetic estrogen found in some plastic bottles and in the lining used in some tin cans. C8 is found in nonstick pans, spatulas, and spoons, microwave popcorn containers, and pizza boxes. PVC contains chemicals called phthalates that lower testosterone and affect metabolism. PVC is found in the plastic wrap on commercial meat products, shower curtains, and air fresheners.