They are in our food?; in the water we drink?; in the air we breathe outside, like inside the house?; in the objects we use… Endocrine disruptors are chemical substances, sometimes mixed, “capable of modifying the functioning of the hormonal system. More than 1,000 molecules are suspected of having harmful effects on our hormonal system”, indicates the Centre-Val de Loire region, which has embarked on a “My region without endocrine disruptors” approach.
In Tulle, in Corrèze, a nursery is a pilot once morest endocrine disruptors, because children are particularly exposed to them. Like pregnant women, teenagers and exposed professionals.
And it’s worrying… According to the Health Environment Network, a study conducted in Denmark reveals that male fertility has dropped by 40%. For the Primary Health Insurance Fund, the number of cases of diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease has doubled in 15 years. Endocrine disruptors would favor these pathologies which, moreover, will be transmitted over several generations.
How to avoid them??
In the kitchen, it is better to use pots and pans made of cast iron, ceramic or stainless steel, without non-stick coating. Plastic items should be avoided. For the maintenance of your home, choose organic or natural cleaning products such as Marseille soap. For toys, avoid soft plastic, choose those made in Europe. For beauty products, choose them organic with labels like Ecocert, Cosmebio…
The Center Val de Loire region has published a practical Guide to understand everything regarding endocrine disruptors and avoid them.
Cindy Roudier-Valaud
