Chemicals that threaten health and fertility

Substances known as endocrine disruptors (EDC) are everywhere around us, as they are found in the air we breathe, the clothes we wear, as well as in the products we apply to the skin. What are the risks and how to protect the health of current and future generations?

Professor Majorie van DursenHead of the Department of Environmental Health and Toxicology at the Institute of Life and the Environment in Amsterdam, belongs to an increasing circle of European scientists, who believe that we need to study endocrine disruptors and their impact on our health. « We need a deeper understanding of how exactly these chemicals are detrimental to the female reproductive system, and we need better tests to recognize such chemicals before finding themselves in the products we use, » emphasizes Professor Van Dursen, an endocrine toxicology specialist. EDC is found practically everywhere: in home fragrances, cleaners, plastic containers and food packages (bisphenol A), cosmetics (parabens), shampoos and plastic wraps (phthalates). They are also in a kitchen container with non -sticky surface, some pesticides and electronics, furniture and textiles.

As part of the Eurion International Partnership, which brings together a group of researchers in the field, there was, among other things, a five -year research initiative Freia, in which they studied special risks that endocrine disruptors represent for women’s health. Although the exact mechanisms of how EDC harms health are not yet fully explained, they are associated with serious health problems, such as reproductive disorders, developmental problems and some cancers. Professor Van Dursen, who coordinated the Frei initiative, noted that the risk is especially high for women who want to become pregnant.

The group of researchers was attended by leading experts from Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the USA. In their work, they studied primarily how EDC affect women’s reproductive health at different stages of life. As Professor Van Dursen explains, « we have known for some time that the effect of exposure in women’s embryos, adolescents and adult women is different, but we did not know what was happening in different periods ».

Models of human tissues

Researchers have now developed human tissue models that represent the entire life cycle, from the embryo and adrenal tissues to the mature ovarian follicles to determine the biomarkers of exposure to endocrine disruptors.

With the examination of the ovarian tissue in the laboratory, they have made significant findings. For example, in the ovaries that have been exposed to the EDC, puberty begins earlier. In the ovaries exposed to these disruptors, there are also fewer germ cells that divide and create eggs and play a direct role in reproduction. In addition, they found that fertilization in vitro Less successful in women who have found more EDC in the follicular fluid surrounding the eggs.

« All this means that, in theory, exposure to these chemicals, even in early development, can cause smaller numbers of eggs and then maybe early menopause and fertility problems, » says Professor Van Dursen. The next step in research will be to study egg function in adult women.

Exposure to chemicals

People can be exposed to endocrine disruptors because of the food they consume, especially if it is warmed in plastic packaging, due to the products that are related to the skin, and toxins released into the air from chemically treated furniture and textiles. Some of these chemicals affect the hormonal system as they imitate hormones such as estrogen and bind to hormonal receptors, effectively preventing the proper functioning of our natural hormones.

Alexandra ScrantonDirector for Science and Research in the Women’s Voices for the Earth, says that « the effects on reproductive health, especially in women, can be very complex and last all their lives, even after birth exposure. » The group seeks to eliminate toxic chemicals that harm women and communities. Scranton points out that women are not necessarily more exposed to the harmful effects of EDC than men, but may be disproportionately exposed to these chemicals due to their professional gender prejudices. « In often invisible professions, mostly women, they can constantly be in contact with cleaners, shampoos, hair colors, hair straightening and hair styling products that may contain EDC, » Scranton warns. As it believes, it should be borne in mind that any use of EDC is problematic, so it supports initiatives that focus primarily on women’s health. Although disruptors are covered by a comprehensive European REACH Regulation, which aims to protect people and the environment from the effects of chemicals, the EU acknowledges that these chemicals need to be used more closely. Research that improves the ability to identify and test EDC can only help in this respect.

So far, in eight projects, as part of the Eurion partnership, a list of hundreds of test methods for better recognition of these harmful chemicals has been prepared. It is expected that some of these methods will eventually help to further restrict the use of EDC. Fortunately, people can already protect themselves with some measures, and the Freia research team seeks to help consumers to avoid disruptors whenever possible. Therefore, they have published recommendations on how to reduce contact with these dangerous chemicals as much as possible. These include simple tips such as washing new clothing before use, a ban on eating food in a microwave in plastic containers and regularly vacuuming an apartment to remove the EDC powder.

« Women deserve to understand the reality they live in, and we are obliged to inform them, » says Professor Van Dursen. « Although we are surrounded by chemicals, some of the potentially harmful ones can be quite easy and cheap. »

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The research mentioned in the article are funded under the EU Horizon program. The article was originally published in Horizon magazine, an EU journal for research and innovation.