A One Health Perspective on Endocrine Disruptors
Endocrine disruptors (EDs), or endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), are natural or synthetic substances that interfere with human and animal hormone systems. Unlike mild modulators like coffee or soy that affect hormones without causing harm, EDs disrupt hormonal function in ways that produce adverse effects. They have been linked to many disorders like neurological disorders, reproductive issues, obesity, and certain cancers. Common examples include bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, parabens, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), UV filters such as benzophenones, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
Where We Find Them
EDs are heavily present in everyday life and can be found in:
- Cosmetics
- Plastics & packaging
- Household dust
- Food & water
- Air pollution
Routes of Exposure
The following are ways people get exposed to EDs:
- Dermal absorption: EDs can be absorbed via the skin and this is the major way people get exposed to EDs in cosmetics and personal care products.
- Inhalation: EDs in Sprays, fragrances, and airborne pollutants (some of which can cross the blood-brain barrier) can be inhaled by people
- Ingestion: People may consume EDs in contaminated food, water, pharmaceuticals and lipsticks.
- Maternal & prenatal exposure: Transfer through the placenta or breastfeeding.
One Health Implications
Viewing EDs through a One Health lens shows how they impact humans, animals, and the environment:
- Environmental contamination: EDs have been detected in every ecosystem tested, including remote regions like the Arctic.
- Animal health: EDs bioaccumulate in marine life and cause coral bleaching. Reproductive disruption in wild fish populations was one of the earliest warnings of the harmful effects of EDs.
- Human health outcomes: EDs have been linked to infertility, PCOS, endometriosis, diabetes, neurological disorders and even hormone sensitive cancers.
It is well established that endocrine disruptors are a risk to animals, humans and the environment. They move from anthropogenic activities into soil and water, wildlife, and back to humans through food, dust, and daily products. While evidence of their harm grows, public awareness and regulations have not kept pace. Stronger policies and continued research are essential to protect human, animal, and environmental health alike.
Comments (1)
Endocrine disruptors (EDs), or endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), are natural or synthetic substances that interfere with human and animal hormone systems. Unlike mild modulators like coffee or soy that affect hormones without causing harm, EDs disrupt hormonal function in ways that produce adverse effects. They have been linked to many disorders like neurological disorders, reproductive issues, obesity, and certain cancers. Common examples include bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, parabens, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), UV filters such as benzophenones, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
Where We Find Them
EDs are heavily present in everyday life and can be found in:
Routes of Exposure
The following are ways people get exposed to EDs:
One Health Implications
Viewing EDs through a One Health lens shows how they impact humans, animals, and the environment:
It is well established that endocrine disruptors are a risk to animals, humans and the environment. They move from anthropogenic activities into soil and water, wildlife, and back to humans through food, dust, and daily products. While evidence of their harm grows, public awareness and regulations have not kept pace. Stronger policies and continued research are essential to protect human, animal, and environmental health alike.