By Blair Doucette

/

May 27, 2025

0 Likes205 Views0

What is the Endocrine System?:

The endocrine system is a network of glands, organs, and pathways that produce hormones and send them along to carry messages to certain cells and organs. This process influences many of your daily bodily functions and regulates big systems like your metabolism, reproductive systems, stress responses, and many others! Organs involved in the endocrine system include the pituitary gland, the thyroid, the adrenal glands, the parathyroid, and the pancreas. 

What is an Endocrine Disruptor?:

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) can naturally occur in our environment or be human-made. These chemicals mimic, interfere with, and block the body’s naturally occurring hormones. Even small levels of these chemicals can have a big impact, as hormones act in very small amounts.

Not to be an alarmist, but many of our everyday items contain EDCs. Many cosmetics, toys, food packaging, and detergents contain varying amounts of EDCs. We come into contact with them in our air, food, and water. Though they can’t be eliminated entirely from our lives, we can make small choices to decrease our interactions with them. 

If you want to learn more about endocrine disruptors, check out this article by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: Endocrine Disruptors.

Everyday Items That Contain EDCs:

• Laundry Detergents: Many detergents in the US contain chemicals known as Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs). The EU and Canada have since banned NPEs. Unfortunately, the US still uses them in a wide array of products. Studies are showing that they have the potential to impact hormone function, which can lead to infertility and even affect fetal development. 
• Cosmetics: Among many other things, cosmetics typically contain 1,4-dioxane, a chemical compound that is known to be “likely carcinogenic to humans” and a possible hormone disruptor. 1,4-dioxane is rarely listed on ingredient labels, but it’s found in soaps, detergents, and shampoos. 
• Fragrance products: Many of our household products contain synthetic fragrances: detergents, cosmetics, feminine hygiene products, baby products, shampoos, powders, dish soaps, etc. Common fragrance ingredients to look out for include: 
  • Beta-myrcene, a carcinogen and fragrance ingredient found in 3 out of 7 cleaning products and 19 out of 25 personal care products
  • Diethyl phthalate (DEP), a common EDC found in cleaning and personal care products
  • DEHP (Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate), even though this phthalate was banned in the EU over 20 years ago, we still have it in many of our personal care items, notably Summer’s Eve Feminine Products
  • Propylene glycol, this EDC is known to impact reproductive health and is found in cosmetics, fragrances, topical medications, soaps and cleansers, hair care products, deodorants, as well as E-cigarettes and vapes

How to Avoid EDCs in Laundry Detergents:

Opt for an eco-friendly, Environmental Working Group-approved product:

• AspenClean Laundry Pods
• Blueland
• Seventh Generation

Make your own!:

At-Home Powder Laundry Detergent (stays good indefinitely)

Ingredients:

• 1 bar of castile soap, chopped or grated (on the smallest grater setting you have)
• 1 cup of coarse salt
• 1 cup of washing soda
• 1 cup of baking soda

Instructions:

• Chop or grate your castile soap into small pieces
• Then, add all of your ingredients to a food processor and blend until your powder is incorporated. 
• I will typically triple this recipe, which lasts me a few months. 

If you prefer a liquid detergent, check out this blog post by Live Simply

If you’re looking for recommendations on choosing safe Cookware, Tupperware, or Toys, check out our blog: Holiday Toy and Gift Safety – A Naturopathic Perspective!