Chemicals are all around us. And some of the most concerning belong to a class known as endocrine disruptors , a group of chemicals so ubiquitous—found in everyday objects like nonstick pans, canned goods, and even dental floss—that you’re likely being exposed to them on a daily basis. Fortune spoke with experts about how these chemicals affect the body, and what to do to reduce your exposure to them.
What are endocrine disruptors? Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with our endocrine systems, which control the body’s hormones—such as insulin, testosterone, and estrogen—and numerous bodily functions, including metabolism and blood sugar regulation. These chemicals can actually mimic hormones and interrupt normal function, says Linda Birnbaum, retired former director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. That can impact the metabolism of an actual hormone by either causing you to get too much or too little of certain hormones.
These are some of the chemicals that the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences lists as endocrine disruptors: Atrazine: one of the most commonly applied herbicides in the world. Bisphenol A (BPA): used in manufacturing, food packaging, toys, and may be found in the lining of some canned foods and beverages. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): a large group of chemicals used widely in industrial applications, such as firefighting foam, nonstick pans, paper, and textile coatings.
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