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Cancer and the Endocrine System The endocrine system regulates all cells in the body. Chemicals that interfere with cell behavior may cause cancer. The endocrine system regulates every cell in the body. There are certain chemicals in consumer goods, phthalates, bisphenol A and parabens, that are known endocrine disruptors. The affect the regulation of reproductive hormones and mimic estrogen in the body. The term used for these chemicals is: xenoestrogens. These chemicals mimic estrogen in the body but do by binding with the estrogen receptors, much the same as hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills. Similar to birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy, this low dose of not-quite-estrogen has been implicated in the increased risk of breast and testicular cancer. The rate, or proportion of the population who develop these types of cancers, has tripled in the last 30-35 years in almost direct linear correlation to the ever-increasing use of these chemicals in consumer goods. Consumer goods that contain these types of chemicals include: cleaning and body care products, plastics, synthetic fragrances, synthetic fabrics, floor coatings, linoleum flooring and anything vinyl. While it is very clear that we have reached a point that we are over-saturated with these chemicals, it is also known that our bodies can process out a specific amount of xenoestrogens without any harm. The most important thing is to remove what you can by not re-intruducing additional products to reduce your exposure to safe limits that are set by studies performed by both the FDA and EPA. How did this happen? It's just a big mistake, not some ridiculous conspiracy. Industries and government agencies were not working together to evaluate the amount of these chemicals in *all* sources of exposure. Basically, our exposure limit is set at an estimated exposure of about 12 consumer goods in a 24-hour period. However, the low cost and high effectiveness of these chemicals lead way too many companies and non-competing industries to add these chemicals to their products which resulted in over-saturation. The next section of the newsletter gives you tips on reducing your exposure, hopefully to within the safe limits set by the EPA and FDA. There *is* cause for great concern at current common exposure limits - extreme increases in cancers, respiratory diseases such as asthma, diabetes and other long-term illnesses associated with high levels of exposure to endocrine disruptors. But you can reduce exposure for yourself and your family. These short articles explain the activity of endocrine disruptors much better than I can in this limited space: Natural Resources Defence Council: Endocrine Disruptors National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: Endocrine Disruptors US EPA: Endocrine Primer  Plastics Industry Concerned About PhthalatesPlasticsNet.com is a plastics industry resource providing timely information for plastics industry professionals. In an article titled, "Toward Safer Plastics That Lock In Potentially Harmful Plasticizers" published on August 12, 2010, they clearly state that phthalates leaching from plastics are a potential health risk for consumers. "Phthalates are the mainstay plasticizers. Unfortunately, they migrate to the surface of the plastic over time and escape into the environment. As a result, PVC plastics become less flexible and durable. In addition, people who come into contact with the plastics face possible health risks. The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2009 banned use of several phthalate plasticizers for use in manufacture of toys and child care articles." It is a wonderful thing that the plastics industry is working toward making their products safer and protect the health of their customers. However, the cleaning and body care industry is ignoring the potential risks. Phthalates are used as fragrance components in cleaning and body care products and this plasticizer is used to make products, such as lotions, creams and gels, flow smoothly. A little common sense: If the plastics industry is concerned about phthalates leaching out of solid consumer goods, how will the cleaning and body care industry tackle this challenge with liquid products that are heated and rubbed all over our bodies when we use personal care products such as shampoo, soap, lotion, cream, shaving cream and deodorant? Cleaning products, such as dish soap, laundry soap, etc are used throughout our homes creating a toxic spreading phthalates all over everything we own. Currently, phthalates are included in food storage containers and food storage bags. This harmful plasticizer leaches into our food from thees containers. It may be prudent to reduce or eliminate the use of these plastics for food storage to reduce the health risks, such as asthma and cancers, from chemicals that even the plastics industry admits has the potential to harm human health. For complete information and follow links to study excerpts regarding the health risks associated with phthalate exposure hosted on the National Library of Medicine web site: Phthalates and Your Health The Reality of Breast Cancer Causes of Asthma in Your Home  Reduce Exposure to Endocrine DisruptorsMaking small changes can make a big difference in your exposure to endocrine disruptors. You don't need to go through and throw away everything plastic or synthetic. The following recommendations are from a variety of sources and should be enough to reduce your level of exposure to safe limits: Don’t microwave polycarbonate plastic food containers. Polycarbonate is strong and durable, but over time it may break down from over use at high temperatures. Polycarbonate containers that contain BPA usually have a #7 on the bottom Reduce your use of canned foods. When possible, opt for glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers, particularly for hot food or liquids. Use baby bottles that are BPA free. Ventilate your home weekly by opening windows and doors and exchange the air with outdoor air. Shop for truly natural cleaning products or make your own with the help of my book, Sunflower Naturals Non-Toxic Cleaning Guide. Do not store your food in plastic containers or bags. Choose glass, porcelain or stainless steel. Replace conventional body care products with natural body care products and solutions. Many solutions are in my book, Sunflower Naturals Non-Toxic Body Care. Remember that most conventional brands that claim 'green' or 'fragrance-free' still contain fragrances to neutralize the stench of the petroleum base. Choose products from truly green manufacturers such as Seventh Generation, or Full Circle. These are only examples, there are many other new truly green manufacturers that use a vegetable oil base that does not require synthetic fragrances to cover the petro-stench. Don't try to do it all at once unless you are pregnant, nursing or have children under 5-years-old in the home. I did and it was a nightmare. Slow, small changes all add up to reduced risk. You may notice the same thing I did when I moved away from plastics and conventional cleaning and body care products. You will likely feel a whole lot better and never realize that you weren't feeling well in the first place. It's almost like quitting smoking - you have more energy, no headaches, more clear thinking. When you clear the chemicals out - it's like flipping on a light bulb, the world just seems so much brighter. If you are on medications, you may need to see your doctor to make adjustments in the dosage, especially if you have asthma, diabetes, thyroid or blood pressure conditions. RESOURCES: Natural Resources Defence Council: Endocrine Disruptors National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: Endocrine Disruptors US EPA: Endocrine Primer Toward Safer Plastics That Lock In Potentially Harmful Plasticizers |
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Sunflower Naturals
Sunflower NaturalsInformation presented is of a general nature for educational and informational purposes only.
Products and information presented herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Statements about products and health conditions have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration.
If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.
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