Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that can interfere with your body’s hormone systems, leading to potential health issues like fertility problems, developmental disorders, and even certain cancers. 

While it’s impossible to eliminate EDCs completely from our environment, Here are 8 practical steps you can take to significantly reduce exposure in your home. 

1. Choose Safer Personal Care Products

Many personal care products, such as shampoos, lotions, and makeup, contain EDCs like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.

What You Can Do:

• Read Labels Carefully: Look for products that are labeled “fragrance-free” or “unscented,” as “fragrance” often includes EDCs.
• Choose Brands That Consciously Avoid EDCs: Opt for brands that explicitly state they are free from EDCs, including synthetic ones like parabens and phthalates, as well as natural ones like lavender. For example, Oliver Care Co. offers products that prioritize your hormonal health by avoiding these harmful ingredients.
• Simplify Your Routine: Use fewer products and choose multi-purpose items to minimize exposure.

2. Reduce Plastic Use in the Kitchen

Plastics, especially those used in food storage and preparation, often contain EDCs like BPA and phthalates, which can leach into food.

What You Can Do:

• Switch to Glass or Stainless Steel: Use glass containers for food storage and stainless steel for cooking and eating utensils.
• Avoid Heating Food in Plastic: Never microwave food in plastic containers, as heat can cause EDCs to leach into your food.
• Choose Fresh Over Canned: Canned foods can be lined with BPA-containing resins. Opt for fresh or frozen options when possible.

3. Clean Up Your Cleaning Supplies

Many household cleaning products contain EDCs such as synthetic fragrances, nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs), and alkylphenol ethoxylates (APES) that can disrupt hormones.

What You Can Do:

• Go for Green Cleaners: Choose natural cleaning products or make your own using simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.
• Choose EDC-Free Laundry Detergent: EDCs like phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and nonylphenol ethoxylates can linger on clothing and bed linens, potentially exposing you to harmful substances throughout the day. Opt for laundry detergents like Oliver Laundry Care.
• Use Fragrance-Free Options: Select cleaning products that are labeled as fragrance-free or made with natural fragrances.
• Ventilate Your Home: Always use cleaning products in well-ventilated areas to reduce inhalation of any harmful chemicals.

4. Be Mindful of Furniture and Home Decor

Furniture and home decor items, particularly those treated with flame retardants, can contain EDCs like polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), phthalates, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that off-gas into your living space.

What You Can Do:

• Choose Natural Materials: Opt for furniture made from untreated wood, natural fibers, and organic materials.
• Avoid Stain-Resistant Treatments: These often contain harmful chemicals, so skip the stain-resistant sprays and treatments.
• Regularly Dust and Vacuum: Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to reduce dust that may contain EDCs.

5. Filter Your Water

EDCs like PFAS, lead, and other contaminants can be present in tap water, posing health risks over time.

What You Can Do:

• Install a Water Filter: Use a high-quality water filter that’s certified to remove EDCs, such as a reverse osmosis system or a carbon filter.
• Check Your Water Quality: Regularly test your tap water and update your filtration system as needed.
• Avoid Bottled Water: Bottled water can also contain EDCs from the plastic bottles themselves. Yes, microplastics are EDCs, so stick with filtered tap water.

6. Be Cautious with Canned and Processed Foods

Many canned foods and processed products are packaged in materials that contain EDCs like BPA. Even cans labeled “BPA-Free” may still contain other bisphenols, such as BPS, which are less well-studied but potentially just as harmful.

What You Can Do:

• Prioritize Fresh and Whole Foods: Focus on a diet rich in fresh, whole foods that don’t come in plastic or canned packaging.

7. Improve Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air can be a source of EDCs, especially from household products, furniture, candles and dust.

What You Can Do:

• Use Air Purifiers: Invest in a quality air purifier with a HEPA filter to reduce airborne EDCs.
• Keep Windows Open: Ventilate your home regularly to allow fresh air in and pollutants out.
• Don’t Burn Candles or Use Air Fresheners: These products often contain synthetic fragrances and other chemicals that can release endocrine disruptors like phthalates into the air

8. Educate Yourself and Stay Informed

EDCs are constantly being studied, and new information about their risks and sources is regularly updated.

What You Can Do:

• Stay Updated: Follow trusted sources on environmental health to keep informed about the latest research and recommendations.
• Check Ingredients: Familiarize yourself with common EDCs and check product labels for these ingredients.
• Advocate for Safer Products: Support brands and companies that prioritize non-toxic, EDC-Free products. 

Bottom Line 

Reducing exposure to endocrine disruptors in your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By making these practical changes, you can create a safer environment for yourself and your family. Every small step counts toward protecting your hormonal health and the well-being of future generations.