What are endocrine disruptors? Endocrine-disrupter chemicals (EDCs) alter your hormones and their receptors, enzymes, and nerve signals. The existence and use of EDCs is widespread in a variety of products including plastics, lining of aluminum cans, fragrances, cosmetics, personal care products, and more. EDCs can be released into the environment and are consumed through diet, air, inhalation, and absorbed by the skin from direct contact.

Common type of EDCs can be found in: lotions, nail polish, and hair care products. One EDC to be aware of is phthalate. Phthalates are a family of synthetic chemicals used as plasticizers. Studies on the effects of phthalate exposure has shown correlation with neurodevelopment impairment and disruption of estrogen receptors in vitro and in vivo. In a study analyzing the effects of EDCs on the embryonic development of zebra fish, these results were confirmed. This study also found that phthalates induced DNA damage in human neurons.

Impacts of endocrine disruption: An important hormone for reproduction and brain development and function, is estrogen. Disruption of estrogen receptors by EDCs is concerning not only for reproductive health, including menstruation and reproduction, but is involved in several mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and more. Estrogen plays a role in mood, cognition, memory, neuroplasticity and the synthesis of neurons in the brain. In the same study on zebra fish, it was suggested that neurotoxicity of phthalates may be correlated with the estrogen receptor pathway.

References:

Hwang, W. Et. Al.(2020). The Role of Estrogen Receptors and Their Signaling across Psychiatric Disorders. International journal of molecular sciences, 22(1), 373.

Xu, S., et.al. (2020). Exposure to phthalates impaired neurodevelopment through estrogenic effects