We believe endocrine disrupting chemicals are dangerous to you, your family, and the world.
Endocrine disruptors are the modern version of lead paint, asbestos, or tobacco smoke. They’ve become popular because they can do useful things, but they have terrible side effects.
But you don’t need to take our word for it. Below, we have a list of sources (and counting) that all confirm the danger of endocrine disrupting chemicals found in all unprotected households like phthalates ? and BPA ?.
Take a look for yourself, and then decide.
Click on a statement to see our sources
Endocrine disrupting chemicals are extremely dangerous to children in the womb
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Phthalates risk damaging children’s IQs in the womb, US researchers suggest
Description: This study discovered children who were exposed to higher levels of phthalates in utero had an IQ level that was seven points lower than children with less exposure. The highest-risk kids also had reduced perceptual reasoning and verbal comprehension.
Source name: the Guardian, reporting on a study by Columbia University researchers.
- Male Reproductive Disorders and Fertility Trends: Influences of Environment and Genetic Susceptibility
Description: this study notes that fertility is declining across the developed world, and blames the impact of endocrine disrupting chemicals for that decline, particularly exposure in utero.
Source name: a study by thirteen doctors, publishing in the journal, "Physiological reviews".
- Endocrine disrupting chemicals and impact on male reproductive health
Description: "There is an increasing amount of research to suggest that male children are more likely to develop reproductive disorders in response to neonatal and especially prenatal exposure; such exposures are even more likely to occur now with the increasing prevalence of EDCs in general consumer goods."
Source name: Dr. Saba Rehman, Dr. Usman, Dr. Sabeen Rehman, Dr. Al Draihem, Dr. Noor Rehman, Dr. Ibraheem Rehman, and Dr. Ahmad, publishing in the journal "Translational andrology and urology".
- Prenatal Phthalate Exposure Is Associated with Childhood Behavior and Executive Functioning
Description: a study found that children exposed to phthalates in the womb were more likely to display attention problems, aggression, or depression at 4 - 9 years old.
Source name: a study by Dr. Engel, Dr. Miodovnik, Dr. Canfield, Dr. Zhu, Dr. Silva, Dr. Calafat, and Dr. Wolff.
- Phthalate and Bisphenol Exposure during Pregnancy and Offspring Nonverbal IQ
Description: "Higher urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites during early pregnancy were associated with lower child nonverbal IQ score. This association remained unchanged when adjusted for mid and late pregnancy exposures."
Source name: a study by eleven doctors, publishing in the journal "Environmental health perspectives"
- Prenatal and postnatal bisphenol A exposure and social impairment in 4-year-old children
Description: a study found that kids exposed to BPA in the womb were more likely to be socially impaired at 4 years old, especially girls.
Source name: a study by eight doctors, publishing in the journal "Environmental health"
- Prenatal Exposure To Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (edcs) Is Related To Allergic Symptoms In 12 Month Old Children
Description: a study found that children exposed to PFOS / PFAS in the womb were more likely to develop allergies at 12 months.
Source name: a study by Dr. Quaak (an unfortunate name, but all the doctors on this study were dutch), Dr. Roosendaal, Dr. De Cock (see earlier note), Dr. Lamoree, and Dr. Van de Bor.
- International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Opinion on Reproductive Health Impacts of Exposure to Toxic Environmental Chemicals
Description: "Exposure to toxic environmental chemicals during pregnancy and lactation is ubiquitous and is a threat to healthy human reproduction... Documented links between prenatal exposure to environmental chemicals and adverse health outcomes span the life course and include impacts on fertility and pregnancy, neurodevelopment, and cancer. The global health and economic burden related to toxic environmental chemicals is in excess of millions of deaths and billions of dollars every year. Based on accumulating robust evidence of exposures and adverse health impacts related to toxic environmental chemicals, FIGO joins other leading reproductive health professional societies in calling for timely action to prevent harm. FIGO recommends that reproductive and other health professionals advocate for policies to prevent exposure to toxic environmental chemicals."
Source name: The International Federation of Gynecology and Obsterics, official statement.
- Early-life exposure to EDCs: role in childhood obesity and neurodevelopment
Description: "The available epidemiological evidence suggest that prenatal exposure to several of these ubiquitous EDCs is associated with adverse neurobehaviour (BPA and phthalates) and excess adiposity or increased risk of obesity and/or overweight (PFAS)."
Source name: Joseph M Braun, publishing in the journal, "Nature reviews. Endocrinology"
- Large effects from small exposures. III. Endocrine mechanisms mediating effects of bisphenol A at levels of human exposure
Description: a study demonstrated that even very low levels of exposure to BPA can be harmful.
Source name: Dr Welshons, Dr Nagel, Dr vom Saal, publishing in the journal "Endocrinology".
- Prenatal exposures to mixtures of endocrine disrupting chemicals and children’s weight trajectory up to age 5.5 in the SELMA study
Description: a study found that prenatal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals limited childhood growth.
Source name: Dr. Svensson, Dr. Tanner, Dr. Gennings, Dr. Lindh, Dr. Kiviranta, Dr. Wikström, Dr. Bornehag publishing in the journal, "Applied Mass Spectrometry in Environmental Medicine"
- Prenatal exposure to bisphenol A and hyperactivity in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Description: this report reviewed 29 studies on lab animals and 3 human studies and concluded that prenatal BPA exposure increases the risk of children developing hyperactivity.
Source name: Dr. Rochester, Dr. Bolden, Dr. Kwiatkowski, publishing in the journal "Environment International".
- Dose-Response Assessment of Fetal Testosterone Production and Gene Expression Levels in Rat Testes Following InUtero Exposure to Diethylhexyl Phthalate, Diisobutyl Phthalate, Diisoheptyl Phthalate, and Diisononyl Phthalate
Description: researchers are able to permanently drop testosterone levels in lab animals by exposing them to phthalates in the womb.
Source name: Dr. Hannas, Dr. Lambright, Dr. Furr, Dr. Howdeshell, Dr. Wilson, Dr. Gray, publishing in the journal "Toxicological Sciences".
- Dose Addition Models Based on Biologically Relevant Reductions in Fetal Testosterone Accurately Predict Postnatal Reproductive Tract Alterations by a Phthalate Mixture in Rats
Description: researchers are able to cause genital tract deformities in lab animals by exposing them to phthalates in the womb.
Source name: Dr. Howdeshell, Dr. Rider, Dr. Wilson, Dr. Furr, Dr. Lambright, Dr. Gray, publishing in the journal "Toxicological Sciences".
- Maternal phthalate urine concentrations, fetal growth and adverse birth outcomes. A population-based prospective cohort study
Description: children exposed to phthalates in the womb were generally smaller, grew less, and weighed less.
Source name: Dr Susana Santos, Dr. Chalana M.Solab, Dr. Charissavan Zwol – Janssens, Dr. Elise M.Philips, Dr. Alexandros G. Asimakopoulos, Dr. Maria-Pilar Martinez-Moral, Dr. Kurunthachalam Kannan, Dr. Vincent W.V. Jaddoe, Dr. Leonardo Trasande, publishing in the journal "Environment International".
- Phthalate exposure and childrens neurodevelopment: A systematic review
Description: "A systematic review of the literature supports the contention that prenatal exposure phthalates is associated with adverse cognitive and behavioral outcomes in children, including lower IQ, and problems with attention, hyperactivity, and poorer social communication."
Source name: Dr. Ejaredar, Dr. Nyanza, Dr. Eycke, Dr. Dewey, publishing in the journal "Environmental research"
- Phthalate exposure and children's health
Description: five studies from Asia, Europe, and the United States linked prenatal exposure to phthalates with a risk of developing asthma, allergies, and eczema in childhood.
Source name: Dr. Braun, Dr. Sathyanarayana, Dr. Hauser, publishing in the journal "Current Opinion in Pediatrics"
- Asthma in inner-city children at 5-11 years of age and prenatal exposure to phthalates: the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health Cohort
Description: a study found that children were more likely to develop asthma when their mothers had higher levels of phthalates when they were pregnant.
Source name: Dr. Whyatt, Dr. Perzanowski, Dr. Just, Dr. Rundle, Dr. Donohue, Dr. Calafat, Dr. Hoepner, Dr. Perera, Dr. Miller, publishing "Environmental health perspectives"
- Prenatal exposure to phthalates and neurocognitive development in children at two years of age
Description: a team of researchers found a link between high exposure to endocrine disruptors and a delay in developing gross motor skills in very young children.
Source name: a team of eighteen researchers writing in the journal Environment International
- Prenatal Phthalates, Maternal Thyroid Function, and Risk of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort
Description: This study found children of mothers with the highest levels of phthalates in their urine during their second trimester had almost three times the odds of being diagnosed with ADHD as children with mothers who had much lower levels.
Source name: a team of twelve researchers
- Impact of early-life bisphenol A exposure on behavior and executive function in children
Description: a study found that exposure to BPA in the womb lead to more anxious and depressed behavior and poorer emotional control in children, especially among girls.
Source name: a study of seven doctors, publishing in the journal Pediatrics
- Prenatal exposure to bisphenol A and phthalates and childhood respiratory tract infections and allergy
Description: a team of researchers found that prenatal exposure to endocrine disruptors increased the risk of asthma later in life.
Source name: a team of 12 doctors, writing in the The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology.
- The effect of prenatal exposure to phthalates on food allergy and early eczema in inner-city children
Description: a study found that pregnant women with more phthalates in their blood were more likely to have kids that later developed allergies.
Source name: a study by eight doctors, writing in the journal "Allergy and asthma proceedings"
- Prenatal and postnatal bisphenol A exposure and asthma development among inner-city children
Description: a study found an association between asthma and exposure to BPA after children were born.
Source name: a study by eleven doctors, publishing in the journal "The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology"
- The estrogenic endocrine disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA) and obesity
Description: "There is increasing experimental and epidemiological evidence that fetal programming of genetic systems is a contributing factor in the recent increase in adult obesity and other components of metabolic syndrome."
Source name: Dr. Vom Saal, Dr. Nagel, Dr. Coe, Dr. Angle, Dr. Taylor, publishing in the journal, "Molecular and cellular endocrinology"
Exposure to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals leads to a lower IQ in children
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Phthalates risk damaging children’s IQs in the womb, US researchers suggest
Description: This study discovered children who were exposed to higher levels of phthalates in utero had an IQ level that was seven points lower than children with less exposure. The highest-risk kids also had reduced perceptual reasoning and verbal comprehension.
Source name: the Guardian, reporting on a study by Columbia University researchers.
- Prenatal exposure to phthalates and neurocognitive development in children at two years of age
Description: a team of researchers found a link between high exposure to endocrine disruptors and a delay in developing gross motor skills in very young children.
Source name: a team of eighteen researchers writing in the journal Environment International
- Phthalates and neurotoxic effects on hippocampal network plasticity
Description: a study found that exposure to endocrine disruptors caused 'widespread disruptions' to the development of the brain, although they couldn't say what the effects would be.
Source name: Matthew R Holahan & Catherine A Smith writing in the journal Neurotoxicology
- Persistent Associations between Maternal Prenatal Exposure to Phthalates on Child IQ at Age 7 Years
Description: a study found that children exposed to high levels of phthalates had IQs that were seven points lower on average.
Source name: a scientific study by seven doctors
- Phthalate exposure and childrens neurodevelopment: A systematic review
Description: "A systematic review of the literature supports the contention that prenatal exposure phthalates is associated with adverse cognitive and behavioral outcomes in children, including lower IQ, and problems with attention, hyperactivity, and poorer social communication."
Source name: Dr. Ejaredar, Dr. Nyanza, Dr. Eycke, Dr. Dewey, publishing in the journal "Environmental research"
- Phthalate and Bisphenol Exposure during Pregnancy and Offspring Nonverbal IQ
Description: "Higher urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites during early pregnancy were associated with lower child nonverbal IQ score. This association remained unchanged when adjusted for mid and late pregnancy exposures."
Source name: a study by eleven doctors, publishing in the journal "Environmental health perspectives"
- Exposure to widespread environmental toxicants and children's cognitive development and behavioral problems
Description: A review found 'strong and consistent' evidence that common endocrine disrupting chemicals threatened the developing nervous systems of children in utero.
Source name: a study by eleven doctors, publishing in the journal "Environmental health perspectives"
- Relationship between environmental phthalate exposure and the intelligence of school-age children
Description: A study found a significant correlation between phthalate exposure and lower IQ in school children.
Source name: a study by nine doctors in S. Korea, publishing in the journal "Environmental health perspectives"
Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals leads to behavioral problems in children like ADHD, aggression, defiance, and hyperactivity.
- Chemicals in plastics damage babies' brains and must be banned immediately, expert group says
Description: a group of experts have concluded that phthalates (an endocrine disruptor) are linked to attention, learning, and behavioral disorders; such as ADD, ADHD, hyperactivity, aggression, and defiance.
Source name: CNN - reporting on a release in The American Journal of Public Health
- Association of Exposure to Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals During Adolescence With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder–Related Behaviors
Description: "In this cross-sectional analysis of data from 205 adolescents participating in a prospective birth cohort study, exposure to select phthalates was associated with an increased risk of ADHD-related behaviors. Associations were strongest for phthalates with antiandrogenic activity."
Source name: Dr. Shoaff, Dr. Coull, and Dr. Weuve, publishing in the journal "Environment international".
- Prenatal Phthalates, Maternal Thyroid Function, and Risk of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort
Description: This study found children of mothers with the highest levels of phthalates in their urine during their second trimester had almost three times the odds of being diagnosed with ADHD as children with mothers who had much lower levels.
Source name: a team of twelve researchers
- Impact of early-life bisphenol A exposure on behavior and executive function in children
Description: a study found that exposure to BPA in the womb lead to more anxious and depressed behavior and poorer emotional control in children, especially among girls.
Source name: a study of seven doctors, publishing in the journal Pediatrics
- Endocrine disrupting chemical exposure and maladaptive behavior during adolescence
Description: a scientific study found that children exposed to phthalates were more likely to show anti-social, "maladaptive" behavior.
Source name: Dr. Shoaff, Dr. Calafat, Dr. Shantz, Dr. Korrick, publishing in the journal "Environmental Research"
- Prenatal exposure to phthalate esters and behavioral syndromes in children at 8 years of age: Taiwan Maternal and Infant Cohort Study
Description: a study found that eight year olds who were heavily exposed to phthalates were more likely to engage in aggressive or delinquent behavior.
Source name: a study by eight doctors, publishing in the journal "Environmental health perspectives"
- Prenatal phthalate exposures and executive function in preschool children
Description: a study found that higher exposure to phthalates was associated with poorer 'executive function' in children.
Source name: a study by fifteen doctors, publishing in the journal "Environmental health perspectives"
- Prenatal and early childhood exposure to phthalates and childhood behavior at age 7 years
Description: a study found that exposure to phthalates led to boys being more likely to act anxious and shy.
Source name: a study by eleven doctors, publishing in the journal "Environment international"
- Gestational Phthalate Exposure and Preschool Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Norway
Description: a study found that exposure to phthalates led to a significant increase in ADHD among children.
Source name: a study by fourteen doctors, publishing in the journal "Environmental epidemiology"
- Maternal prenatal urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations and child mental, psychomotor, and behavioral development at 3 years of age
Description: a study found that exposure to phthalates led to a decrease in mental and motor development, along with more withdrawn behavior.
Source name: a study by eleven doctors, publishing in the journal "Environmental health perspectives"
- Neurotoxicity of Ortho-Phthalates: Recommendations for Critical Policy Reforms to Protect Brain Development in Children
Description: "Substantial evidence links exposure to phthalates with increased risks for child learning, attention, and behavioral problems. We therefore recommend that phthalates be eliminated from products that may lead to exposure of women of reproductive age, pregnant women, infants, and children."
Source name: a study by eight doctors, publishing in the journal "American Journal of Public Health"
- Prenatal Phthalate Exposure Is Associated with Childhood Behavior and Executive Functioning
Description: a study found that children exposed to phthalates in the womb were more likely to display attention problems, aggression, or depression at 4 - 9 years old.
Source name: a study by Dr. Engel, Dr. Miodovnik, Dr. Canfield, Dr. Zhu, Dr. Silva, Dr. Calafat, and Dr. Wolff.
- Association between phthalates and externalizing behaviors and cortical thickness in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Description: a study found that kids with ADHD had higher phthalates in their body on average than those without it.
Source name: a study by twelve doctors, publishing in the journal "Cambridge University Press"
- Prenatal and postnatal bisphenol A exposure and social impairment in 4-year-old children
Description: a study found that kids exposed to BPA were more likely to be socially impaired at 4 years old, especially girls.
Source name: a study by eight doctors, publishing in the journal "Environmental health"
- Childhood polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) exposure and executive function in children in the HOME Study
Description: a study found that childhood exposure to an endocrine disruptor called PBDEs was associated with a significant increase in behavioral problems among boys.
Source name: Dr. Vuong, Dr. Yolton, Dr. Poston, Dr. Xie Dr. Webster, Dr. Sjödin, Dr. Braun, Dr. Dietrich, Dr. Lanphear, Dr. Chen, publishing "International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health".
- Phthalates exposure and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in school-age children
Description: a study found that children exposed to higher levels of phthalates were more likely to display symptoms of ADHD and attention problems.
Source name: a study by ten doctors in S. Korea, publishing in the journal "Biological psychiatry".
- Association of Bisphenol A exposure and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in a national sample of U.S. children
Description: a study found that children with higher levels of BPA in their body were far more likely to have ADHD.
Source name: Dr. Tewar, Dr. Auinger, Dr. Braun, Dr. Lanphear, Dr. Yolton, Dr. Epstein, Dr. Ehrlich, Dr. Froehlich
- Association between phthalates and attention deficit disorder and learning disability in U.S. children, 6–15 years
Description: a study found a link between phthalate exposure and attention deficit disorder + learning disabilities in children.
Source name: Dr. Chopra, Dr. Harley, Dr. Lahiff, Dr. Eskenazi, publishing in the journal "Environmental Research"
- Prenatal exposure to bisphenol A and hyperactivity in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Description: this report reviewed 29 studies on lab animals and 3 human studies and concluded that early life BPA exposure increases the risk of children developing hyperactivity.
Source name: Dr. Rochester, Dr. Bolden, Dr. Kwiatkowski, publishing in the journal "Environment International".
Children exposed to endocrine disrupting chemicals are more likely to develop asthma, allergies, or other respiratory problems.
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Chemicals in some household plastics linked to child asthma risk
Description: 'New research from Columbia University finds children exposed to a substance found in common household plastics are 70% more likely to develop asthma.'
Source name: the Guardian, reporting on a study by Columbia University researchers
- Prenatal exposure to bisphenol A and phthalates and childhood respiratory tract infections and allergy
Description: a team of researchers found that prenatal exposure to endocrine disruptors increased the risk of asthma later in life.
Source name: a team of 12 doctors, writing in the The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology.
- Environmental exposure during pregnancy and the risk of childhood allergic diseases
Description: a study found that exposure to endocrine disruptors was closely related to developing allergic diseases in childhood.
Source name: Dr Ming-Zhi, Dr Shan-Shan, Dr Yan-Kai, Dr Dan-Dan, and Dr Xu, writing in the World Journal of Pediatrics
- The Impact of Bisphenol A and Phthalates on Allergy, Asthma, and Immune Function: A Review of Latest Findings
Description: a review of scientific studies found an association between exposure to BPA and children developing respiratory and immune problems.
Source name: an article in Current environmental health reports
- The effect of prenatal exposure to phthalates on food allergy and early eczema in inner-city children
Description: a study found that pregnant women with more phthalates in their blood were more likely to have kids that later developed allergies.
Source name: a study by eight doctors, writing in the journal "Allergy and asthma proceedings"
- Prenatal and postnatal exposure to phthalate esters and asthma: a 9-year follow-up study of a taiwanese birth cohort
Description: a study of 173 children found that "prenatal and postnatal exposure to phthalate was associated with the occurrence of asthma in children, particularly for boys."
Source name: a study by eight doctors in Taiwan
- Exposure to bisphenol A and the development of asthma: A systematic review of cohort studies
Description: a review of six studies found that children are more likely to develop wheezing and asthma if they're heavily exposed to BPA in the womb.
Source name: a study by nine doctors, publishing in the journal "Reproductive toxicology"
- The Association between Asthma and Allergic Symptoms in Children and Phthalates in House Dust: A Nested Case–Control Study
Description: a study found a link between one type of phthalate and the development of asthma and allergies in young children.
Source name: a study by seven doctors, publishing in the journal "Environmental health perspectives"
- Prenatal and postnatal bisphenol A exposure and asthma development among inner-city children
Description: a study found an association between asthma and exposure to BPA after children were born.
Source name: a study by eleven doctors, publishing in the journal "The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology"
- Asthma in inner-city children at 5-11 years of age and prenatal exposure to phthalates: the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health Cohort
Description: a study found that children were more likely to develop asthma when their mothers had higher levels of phthalates when they were pregnant.
Source name: Dr. Whyatt, Dr. Perzanowski, Dr. Just, Dr. Rundle, Dr. Donohue, Dr. Calafat, Dr. Hoepner, Dr. Perera, Dr. Miller, publishing "Environmental health perspectives"
- Prenatal Exposure To Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (edcs) Is Related To Allergic Symptoms In 12 Month Old Children
Description: a study found that children exposed to PFOS / PFAS in the womb were more likely to develop allergies at 12 months.
Source name: a study by Dr. Quaak (an unfortunate name, but all the doctors on this study were dutch), Dr. Roosendaal, Dr. De Cock (see earlier note), Dr. Lamoree, and Dr. Van de Bor.
- Phthalate exposure and children's health
Description: five studies from Asia, Europe, and the United States linked childhood exposure to phthalates with a risk of developing asthma, allergies, and eczema.
Source name: Dr. Braun, Dr. Sathyanarayana, Dr. Hauser, publishing in the journal "Current Opinion in Pediatrics"
Endocrine disruptors lead to weight gain and obesity in children and adults
- BPA, phthalates tied to kids' weight, diabetes risk
Description: children with higher amounts of endocrine disrupting chemicals in their blood (BPA & phthalates) were more likely to be overweight and pre-diabetic.
Source name: Fox News
- Role of Environmental Chemicals in Diabetes and Obesity: A National Toxicology Program Workshop Review
Description: a team of researchers found a link between EDC exposure and weight gain: 'Overall, the review of the existing literature identified linkages between several of the environmental exposures and type 2 diabetes. There was also support for the “developmental obesogen” hypothesis, which suggests that chemical exposures may increase the risk of obesity.'
Source name: a study by Dr. Thayer, Dr. Heindel, Dr. Bucher, Dr. Gallo
- More Evidence Links BPA to Childhood Obesity
Description: a study found that preteen girls who were exposed to high amounts of BPA were twice as likely to be overweight.
Source name: WebMD, reporting on a study of 2,800 US children
- Urinary bisphenol A (BPA) concentration associates with obesity and insulin resistance
Description: a study found that adults with the highest exposure to BPA were also more likely to be overweight, have abdominal fat, and to shows signs of pre-diabetes.
Source name: a team of 14 researchers, publishing in the journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism
- Phthalate Exposure During Pregnancy and Long-Term Weight Gain in Women
Description: researchers found that women exposed to endocrine disurpting chemicals (phthalates) gained more weight and kept that weight after pregnancy.
Source name: a study by ten scientists
- From DDT to BPA: How Do Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals Affect Our Health?
Description: 'There is growing evidence that during critical periods of embryonic development, estrogenic compounds from EDCs could cause permanent changes by influencing gene expression, which can then affect metabolism.
Results from animal experiments have demonstrated that exposure to EDCs can change glucose levels in the mothers and their offspring, when they become adults.
Some of the studies suggest that oral exposure to the chemical bisphenol A, or BPA, during pregnancy and lactation increased body weight in adult offspring. Indeed, the effects of these EDCs mimic a high-fat diet in changing the glucose and lipid metabolism. Even short-term BPA exposure during pregnancy affected metabolic programming – weight and glucose metabolism – in the offspring later in life, as well as the metabolic state of the mother in the long term.'Source name: an article by Dr. Hatipoglu
- Association between urinary bisphenol A concentration and obesity prevalence in children and adolescents
Description: a study found a strong association between high levels of BPA in kids ages 6 - 19 years old and obesity.
Source name: a study by Dr. Trasande, Dr. Attina, and Dr. Blustein
- Association of Bisphenol A and Its Substitutes, Bisphenol F and Bisphenol S, with Obesity in United States Children and Adolescents
Description: this study looked at 6 to 17 years old and found a strong association between obesity and measurable levels of BPA, along with common substitutes for BPA like BPS and BPF.
Source name: a study by eight scientists in the Diabetes & Metabolism journal
- Urinary bisphenol A and obesity in U.S. children
Description: one more study by another team of researchers that found a strong correlation between BPA in a person's body and obesity.
Source name: Dr. Bhandari, Dr. Xiao, Dr. Shankar, Johns Hopkins researchers, writing in the American journal of epidemiology
- Endocrine Disruptors and Obesity
Description: a review of studies found a correlation between exposure to endocrine disruptors and obesity, but also signs that exposure made the body more likely to store other types of pollutants, possibly explaining the link between obesity and cancer.
Source name: Dr. Darbre writing in the academic journal, 'Current obesity reports.'
- The Role of the Bisphenol A in Diabetes and Obesity
Description: another study by another team of researchers found a correlation between how much endocrine disruptors a person has in their body and obesity.
Source name: Dr. Pérez-Bermejo, Dr. Mas-Pérez, Dr. Murillo-Llorente writing in the journal of Biomedicines.
- Relationship between endocrine disruptors and obesity with a focus on bisphenol A: a narrative review
Description: "Exposure to EDCs like Bisphenol A during the early stages of development has been shown to lead to weight gain and obesity."
Source name: Dr. Boudalia, Dr. Bousbia, Dr. Boumaaza, Dr. Oudir, Dr Canivenc Lavier publishing in the journal, "Bioimpacts"
- The estrogenic endocrine disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA) and obesity
Description: "There is increasing experimental and epidemiological evidence that fetal programming of genetic systems is a contributing factor in the recent increase in adult obesity and other components of metabolic syndrome."
Source name: Dr. Vom Saal, Dr. Nagel, Dr. Coe, Dr. Angle, Dr. Taylor, publishing in the journal, "Molecular and cellular endocrinology"
- Developmental exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals programs for reproductive tract alterations and obesity later in life
Description: "Environmental estrogens, including the environmental contaminant bisphenol A, have also been linked to reproductive problems and obesity later in life. Epidemiology studies support similar findings in humans, as do studies of cells in culture."
Source name: Dr. Newbold, publishing in the journal, "The American journal of clinical nutrition"
- These Everyday Household Chemicals may Explain Why You Can't Lose Weight
Description: "New evidence gathered by Leonardo Trasande, Director of the NYU Center for the Investigation of Environmental Hazards, shows that the same household products we all use all of the time emit chemicals that increase your risk for obesity and obesity-related diseases. These chemicals are called obesogens, and removing them from your environment may be both easier and more effective than a grueling fad diet ever could be, according to Trasande."
Source name: Inverse.com, reporting on a study by Dr. Trasande
- Early-life exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals associates with childhood obesity
Description: a Chinese study found that exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals is associated with childhood obesity.
Source name: a study by six doctors, publishing in the journal, "Annals of pediatric endocrinology & metabolism"
- Childhood obesity and endocrine disrupting chemicals
Description: "The prevalence of obesity around the world has increased sharply. Strong evidence has emerged over the last decades that human exposure to numerous endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is the cause of obesity and obesity-related metabolic diseases."
Source name: Dr. Kim and Dr. Lee, publishing in the journal, "Annals of pediatric endocrinology & metabolism"
- The Role of the Bisphenol A in Diabetes and Obesity
Description: this study concluded that BPA is an additional risk factor for diabetes and obesity, because it stimulates the growth of abdominal fat.
Source name: Dr. Pérez-Bermeje, Dr. Mas-Pérez, Dr. Murillo-Llorente publishing in the journal "Biomedicines"
- BPA Linked to Obesity Risk in Puberty-Age Girls
Description: Girls between 9 and 12 years of age with higher-than-average levels of bisphenol-A in their urine had double the risk of being obese than girls with lower levels of BPA, according to a Kaiser Permanente study. "This study provides evidence from a human population that confirms the findings from animal studies -- that high BPA exposure levels could increase the risk of overweight or obesity," said De-Kun Li, MD, PhD, MPH, principal investigator of the study and a reproductive and perinatal epidemiologist at the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research.
Source name: Kaiser Permanente Division of Research.
- Phthalates and type 1 diabetes: is there any link?
Description: a study found a link between phthalate exposure and developing type 1 diabetes in childhood.
Source name: a study of eight doctors, publishing in the journal "Environmental science and pollution research international".
- Exposure to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in the Dutch general population is associated with adiposity-related traits
Description: a study found a link between phthalates and BPA and higher levels of body fat in adults.
Source name: Thomas P. van der Meer, Martijn van Faassen, André P. van Beek, Harold Snieder, Ido P. Kema, Bruce H. R. Wolffenbuttel & Jana V. van Vliet-Ostaptchouk, publishing in the journal "Scientific Reports".
- Role of Environmental Chemicals in Diabetes and Obesity: A National Toxicology Program Workshop Review
Description: a review of studies found a link between exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals and developing diabetes.
Source name: Dr. Thayer, Dr. Heindel, Dr. Bucher, and Dr. Gallo, publishing in the journal "Environmental health perspectives"
- Human contact with phthalates during early life stages leads to weight gain and obesity
Description: a review of studies concluded that exposure to phthalates in early childhood could lead to a lifelong propensity for weight gain.
Source name: Dr. Apau, Dr. Sefah and Dr Adua, publishing in the journal Medicinal Chemistry
- Phthalates and Metabolism: Exposure Correlates with Obesity and Diabetes in Men
Description: a study found a correlation between high phthalate exposure and both abdominal obesity and insulin resistance.
Source name: Melissa Lee Phillips, publishing in the journal Environmental health perspectives
- Exposure to environmental phthalates during preschool age and obesity from childhood to young adulthood
Description: a longitudinal study found a correlation between high levels of phthalates in childhood and obesity later in life.
Source name: a study by nine doctors publishing in the journal, "Environmental Research"
It's harder to lose weight than it used to be, even when you take into account diet and exercise, and endocrine disruptors might be to blame.
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Why It Was Easier to Be Skinny in the 1980s
Description: 'They found a very surprising correlation: A given person, in 2006, eating the same amount of calories, taking in the same quantities of macronutrients like protein and fat, and exercising the same amount as a person of the same age did in 1988 would have a BMI that was about 2.3 points higher. In other words, people today are about 10 percent heavier than people were in the 1980s, even if they follow the exact same diet and exercise plans.'
Source name: the Atlantic, reporting on a study by six doctors
- Losing Weight May Have Been a Lot Easier ‘Back in the Day’
Description: A new study found that obesity is rising faster than suggested by the changes in food intake and physical activity levels.
Source name: Healthline
Sperm counts have fallen by more than half since the 1970s, and endocrine disruptors are likely to blame
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The Everyday Chemicals That Might Be Leading Us to Our Extinction
Description: 'A study Swan cites in “Count Down” found that just over a quarter of men experiencing erectile dysfunction were under 40. That may be, in part, because testosterone levels have been dropping at 1 percent per year since 1982. The outlook for women isn’t good either. The miscarriage rate has risen by 1 percent per year over the last two decades. If these trajectories continue, in vitro fertilization and other artificial reproductive technologies may become a widely needed tool for conceiving children.
Swan distills information harvested from hundreds of published studies and while some ring familiar, the conclusion she reaches hits hard. These chemicals are limiting the ability of current and future generations to have children. They could, ultimately, snuff out the human species altogether.
This is why Swan was compelled to write this book, one with apocalyptic implications.'Source name: the NY Times, reporting on epidemiologist Shanna Swan's book 'Countdown'
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Male Infertility Crisis in U.S. Has Experts Baffled
Description: 'Startling new evidence suggests male infertility may be much worse than it appears. According to Levine and Swan's work, sperm levels—the most important measurement of male fertility—are declining throughout much of the world, including the U.S. The report, published in late July, reviewed thousands of studies and concluded that sperm concentration had fallen by 52 percent among men in Western countries between 1973 and 2011.'
Source name: Newsweek, reporting on a study by Dr Levine and Dr. Swan
- Sperm count drop 'could make humans extinct'
Description: 'Researchers assessing the results of nearly 200 studies say sperm counts among men from North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, seem to have halved in less than 40 years. Humans could become extinct if sperm counts in men continue to fall at current rates, a doctor has warned.'
Source name: the BBC, reporting on a review of 185 scientific studies
- What Are Sperm Telling Us?
Description: '“In some ways, the sperm-count decline is akin to where global warming was 40 years ago,” Swan writes. “The climate crisis has been accepted — at least by most people — as a real threat. My hope is that the same will happen with the reproductive turmoil that’s upon us.”
Chemical companies are as reckless as tobacco companies were a generation ago, or as opioid manufacturers were a decade ago. They lobby against even safety testing of endocrine disruptors, so that we have little idea if products we use each day are damaging our bodies or our children. We’re all guinea pigs.'Source name: the NY Times
- Reproductive Problems in Both Men and Women Are Rising at an Alarming Rate
Description: two doctors discuss rising infertility in men and women and that endocrine disruptors are probably responsible.
Source name: Dr. Shanna Swan and Dr Stacey Colino, writing in Scientific American
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Add falling sperm counts to the list of threats to human survival, epidemiologist warns
Description: 'Sperm counts among men in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand declined more than 59% from 1973 to 2011, according to a meta-analysis Swan co-wrote in 2017. At the current rate, half of men in those countries would have no sperm by 2045, while many others would have very low counts, Swan told USA TODAY.'
Source name: USA Today, reporting on the book 'Countdown' by epidemiologist Shanna Swan
- Going, Going, Gone? Human Sperm Counts Are Plunging
Description: a review of studies spanning decades that establish that sperm counts are falling fast, and that endocrine disruptors are contributing to the plunge.
Source name: Psychology Today / Dr Robert Martin
- Plummeting sperm counts are threatening the future of human existence, and plastics could be to blame
Description: 'Epidemiologist Shanna Swan studied chemical exposure's impact on health for two decades.
Her book "Count Down" uses research to explain how plastics and other substances mess with fertility.
If we don't do something about chemical exposure, it could endanger human life, Swan writes.'Source name: INSIDER, reporting on epidemiologist Shanna Swan's work.
- Male fertility is declining – studies show that environmental toxins could be a reason
Description: a doctor writes about endocrine disruptors, the decline in male fertility, and the increasing problems he's seeing treating infertility in his daily practice.
Source name: Dr. Ryan Smith writing in the Conversation
- Temporal trends in semen concentration and count among 327 373 Chinese healthy men from 1981 to 2019: a systematic review
Description: a study found sperm counts have been sharply declining in Chinese men for the past four decades
Source name: Dr. Mo-Qi, Dr. Pan, Dr. Jian, Dr. Yan-Qi, Dr. Liang, Dr Dang-Xia writing in the journal Human reproduction.
- Temporal trends in sperm count: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis
Description: a long-term study concluded that sperm counts have dropped by more than half between 1973 and 2011.
Source name: Dr. Levine, Dr. Jorgensen, Dr. Martino-Andrade, Dr. Mendiola, Dr. Weksler-Derri, Dr. Mindlis, Dr. Pinotti, Dr. Swan
- Phthalates - widespread occurrence and the effect on male gametes. Part 2. The effects of phthalates on male gametes and on the offspring
Description: 'The general exposure to endocrine disruptors, including phthalates, is considered as one of the reason diminished sperm count and deteriorated sperm quality, which may lead to infertility and higher incidence of congenital malformations of the genital tract... Review of papers regarding to laboratory animals confirmed that phthalates cause diminished sperm count, increased frequency of abnormal spermatozoa and DNA damage in germ cells, especially after chronic exposure and in case exposure of immature animals.'
Source name: a study by Dr. Dobrzyńska
- Phthalate exposure and human semen parameters
Description: a study found that phthalate exposure decreased sperm quality and amount.
Source name: a study by nine scientists
- A longitudinal study of semen quality among Chinese sperm donor candidates during the past 11 years
Description: a study of Chinese sperm donors proved that sperm counts dropped sharply between 2009 - 2019, from 160 million to 80 million, a 50% drop.
Source name: Dr. Junjie Liu, Dr. Yanpeng Dai, Dr. Yushan Li, Dr. Enwu Yuan, Dr. Quanxian Wang, Dr. Xingling Wang and Dr. Yichun Guan, publishing in the journal "Scientific Reports".
- Jeremy Grantham warns eventually only the rich will procreate as chemicals leave the poor sterile
Description: In a statement to investors, Jeremy Grantham said that chemical interference with human reproduction will grow so great that "it is likely to leave us sterile in a few decades with only the rich able to easily afford the healthy lifestyles and the exotic medical help required to have babies... The bottom line is this: either endocrine disrupting chemicals will go out of business or we will!" Grantham wrote.
Source name: Jeremy Grantham, a high profile investor, famous for calling the dotcom bubble and the housing market crash.
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Sperm Quality In US Has Dropped Significantly Since 2005, New Study Shows
Description: In a sixteen year study, researchers noted a significant decline in the concentration of sperm in the semen, sperm motility, and the total motile sperm . These changes were seen across all of the studied geographic regions. The research did not look to explain why this trend is occurring. However, in their conclusion they suggest there could be a link to lifestyle changes, such as diet and stress, or exposures to endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Source name: IFLScience, discussing a study by Dr. Canon, Dr. Lee, Dr. Tack, Dr. Tseng, Dr. Antonelli, Dr Bar-Chama, Dr. Shamonki, Dr. Copperman.
- Is human fecundity declining?
Description: a 2006 found evidence of dramatic decline in fertility rates, particularly among men. It linked the decline to worse diets and lifestyles, along with exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals.
Source name: a study by eleven scientists, publishing in the "International Journal of Andrology"
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Almost one in six couples face infertility: study
Description: Infertility is increasing, "Close to one in six U.S. couples don’t get pregnant despite a year of trying - after which doctors typically recommend evaluation for infertility, according to a new study."
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Environmental factors in declining human fertility
Description: "Widespread infertility and the need for assisted reproduction due to poor semen quality and/or oocyte failure are now major health issues. Other indicators of declining reproductive health include a worldwide increasing incidence in testicular cancer among young men..." We hypothesize that these reproductive health problems are partially linked to increasing human exposures to chemicals originating directly or indirectly from fossil fuels."
a significant study by sixteen prominent doctors
Children are especially vulnerable to endocrine disrupting chemicals
- Phthalates are everywhere, and the health risks are worrying. How bad are they really?
Description: 'In the past few years, researchers have linked phthalates to asthma, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, breast cancer, obesity and type II diabetes, low IQ, neurodevelopmental issues, behavioral issues, autism spectrum disorders, altered reproductive development and male fertility issues.
While phthalates is a huge class of chemicals and nowhere near every chemical in the class has been studied, several have been shown to have negative health impacts'Source name: the Guardian
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How Safe Is Your Kids' Food?
'Certain chemicals added to food and also used in food packaging have been linked to a suite of negative health effects, and children may be most at risk. That’s according to a new report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), published yesterday in the journal Pediatrics.
Description: The new AAP report and statement highlighted five chemical groups of concern: bisphenols (such as BPA), which line metal cans and are mixed into plastics; phthalates (which make plastic soft); perfluoroalkyl chemicals (or PFCs, which are found in grease-proof wrappers and packaging); perchlorate (found in food packaging); and nitrates/nitrites (curing agents found in some meats).'Source name: Consumer Reports, reporting on a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics
- How to Eat Less Plastic
Description: '“What we know raises serious red flags about chemicals used in plastic containers,” he says. They affect brain and organ development in children, and are linked to infertility and cardiovascular problems. Around 10,000 adult men die from cardiovascular disease linked to phthalates every year, [Dr. Trasande] says.'
'The shape and structure of chemicals such as BPA and phthalates cause them to interfere with the endocrine, or hormonal, system, which is why they're known as endocrine disrupters. Tiny amounts of hormones, measured in parts per billion or even per trillion, affect the function of a wide range of systems throughout our bodies. And that’s what makes even a low dose of BPA or these other endocrine disrupters a focus of medical concern.'Source name: Consumer Reports
- New Alarm Bells About Chemicals and Cancer
Description: 'In particular, the report warns about exposures to chemicals during pregnancy, when risk of damage seems to be greatest. Noting that 300 contaminants have been detected in umbilical cord blood of newborn babies, the study warns that: “to a disturbing extent, babies are born ‘pre-polluted.’"
Source name: the NY Times reporting on a statement from the President's Cancer Panel, 2010.
- Exposure to phthalates: Reproductive outcome and children health. A review of epidemiological studies
Description: a review of scientific studies found a link between endocrine disruptor expsoure and attention deficits, less masculine composite scores in boys, and ADHD. Epidemiological studies suggested that phthalates may affect reproductive outcome and children health.
Source name: Dr Jurewicz and Dr Hanke, International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health
- Possible impact of phthalates on infant reproductive health
Description: 'Phthalates adversely affect the male reproductive system in animals, inducing hypospadias, cryptorchidism, reduced testosterone production and decreased sperm counts. Phthalate effects are much more severe after in utero than adult exposure.' The researchers then examined two studies that supported the danger of endocrine disruptors to human babies.
Source name: study by Dr. G Lottrup, Dr. A-M Andersson, Dr. H Leffers, Dr. G K Mortensen, Dr. J Toppari, Dr. N E Skakkebaek, Dr. K M Main
- Fetal-Maternal Exposure to Endocrine Disruptors: Correlation with Diet Intake and Pregnancy Outcomes
Description: 'Several evidence obtained on in vitro and animal models as well as by epidemiologic and population studies strongly indicated that endocrine disruptors could negatively impact fetal and placental health by interfering with the embryonic developing epigenome, thus establishing disease paths into adulthood.
Moreover, EDCs could cause and/or contribute to the onset of severe gestational conditions as Preeclampsia (PE), Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) and gestational diabetes in pregnancy, as well as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular complications in reproductive age...
Future actions aimed at reducing or eliminating EDC exposure during the perinatal period are mandatory to guarantee pregnancy success and preserve fetal and adult health.'Source name: a study by Dr. Rolfo, Dr. Nuzzo, Dr. Amicis, Dr. Moretti, Dr. Bertoli, and Dr. Leone.
- Food Additives and Child Health
Description: a study discussed the toxic impact of endocrine disruptors and that children are, 'particularly susceptible to the effects of these compounds because they have higher relative exposures compared with adults (because of greater dietary intake per pound), their metabolic (ie, detoxification) systems are still developing, and key organ systems are undergoing substantial changes and maturations that are vulnerable to disruptions.'
Source name: Leonardo Trasande, Rachel M. Shaffer, Sheela Sathyanarayana and COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH, writing in the Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics
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FDA must do more to regulate thousands of chemicals added to your food, petitioners say
Description: '[T]he food you eat and the beverages you drink likely contain one or more of some 10,000 chemicals allowed to be added to foods -- some of which are known endocrine (hormone) disruptors linked to developmental, cognitive and other health problems in babies and adults...
The additive effect of low levels of different chemical exposures can impact a baby's IQ and therefore his or her ability to excel in school and contribute to society at large, said Trasande, who is director of environmental pediatrics at NYU Langone Health.' - Precocious puberty in girls is increasing and alarming
Description: more girls are experiencing early puberty, and experts believe endocrine disruptors are playing a role.
Source name: Center for Health Journalism
- Phthalates: toxicology and exposure
Description: a study found that children are often exposed to more endocrine disruptors than adults and much more than a 'safe' amount.
Source name: Dr. Heudorf, Dr. Mersch-Sundermann, and Dr. Angerer writing in the International journal of hygiene and environmental health.
- Endocrine-disrupting chemicals: implications for human health
Description: the Lancet did a five year review of studies published between 2015 - 2020. They concluded that the evidence was growing that EDC exposure was linked to child and adult obesity, reduced birthweight, reduced semen quality, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, premature birth, cognitive defects, and ADHD. They said that, "the growing evidence supports urgent action to reduce exposure to EDCs."
Dr. Kahn, Dr. Philippat, Dr. Nakayama, Dr. Slama, and Dr. Trasande publishing in the Lancet.
- Why phthalates should be restricted or banned from consumer products
Description: Prof. Hauser says phthalates in consumer products should be heavily restricted due to their links to decreasing testosterone, male reproduction, and impaired neurological development in children.
A Question and Answer session with Russ Hauser, Professor of Reproductive Physiology and environmental and occupational epidemiology at Harvard.
Testosterone has been falling in modern men
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Men's testosterone levels declined in last 20 years
Description: a study from 1987 - 2007 found that men's testosterone dropped by 1% each year.
- You're Not the Man Your Father Was
Description: This article noted that testosterone among men has been steadily dropping according to multiple studies, and tied the increase to obesity, less cigarette smoking, and exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals like phthalates.
Source name: Forbes discussing multiple scientific studies on testosterone over time.
- Secular trends in testosterone- findings from a large state-mandate care provider
Description: This Israeli study found a big drop in testosterone among men from 2006 - 2019: "There was a highly significant age-independent decline in total testosterone in the first and second decades of the twenty-first century. The decline was unlikely to be explained by increasing rates of obesity."
Source name: Dr Chodick, Dr Epstein, Dr Shalev, publishing in the journal "Reproductive biology and endocrinology".
- Testosterone levels show steady decrease among young US men
Description: a study by urologists found that testosterone has declined among adolescents and young adult men from 1999 to 2016. They saw a decline even among who were a healthy weight, supporting the idea that something else was causing the drop.
Source name: Dr. Kahl, publishing in the "Urology Times Journal".
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Testosterone levels decreasing in Danish men
Description: "A new study has revealed that contemporary Danish males have lower levels of testosterone than their fathers. The research, conducted on 5,000 Danish men by the Rigshospitalet Clinic, shows that those born in the 1960s have on average 14 percent lower testosterone levels than males from the 1920s. “It's a little frightening and thought-provoking that there is something affecting men's sex hormone,” said Anna-Maria Andersson, the research study leader"
Source name: a news article from an Icelandic newspaper, discussing this study by six doctors.
- A cohort effect on serum testosterone levels in Finnish men
Description: a study confirmed that testosterone is dropping for Finnish men.
Source name: Dr. Perheentupa, Dr. Mäkinen, Dr. Laatikainen, Dr. Vierula, Dr. Skakkebaek, Dr. Andersson, and Dr. Toppari, publishing in the journal "European journal of endocrinology".
- Temporal trends in testosterone levels and treatment in older men
Description: a review of studies supported the conclusion that there's been as much as 1% decline per year in testosterone, which can't be fully explained by weight gain.
Source name: Dr. Travison, Dr. Araujo, Dr. Hall, Dr. McKinlay, publishing in the journal "Current opinion in endocrinology, diabetes, and obesity".
- A Population-Level Decline in Serum Testosterone Levels in American Men
Description: this study confirmed that testosterone is dropping among American men, and the drop cannot be explained by weight, smoking, or age.
Source name: Dr Travison, Dr Araujo, Dr O’Donnell, Dr Kupelian, Dr McKinlay, publishing in the journal, "Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism".
- Why modern men are losing their testosterone
Description: "Several studies have confirmed that testosterone counts in men are lower than what they used to be just a few decades ago. While most men still have perfectly healthy testosterone levels, its reduction puts men at risk for many negative health outcomes."
Source name: BigThink.com, discussing multiple scientific studies.
Endocrine disruptors lower testosterone in men
- Phthalates might interfere with testicular function by reducing testosterone and insulin-like factor 3 levels
Description: this scientific study offers an explanation for how exposure to endocrine disruptors lowers testosterone in men.
Source name: Dr. Chang, Dr. Li, Dr. Wu, Dr Pan, and Dr. Lee
- Temporal trends in testosterone levels and treatment in older men
Description: a study found that testosterone in men has been decreasing steadily over time, that this was leading to weight gain, and that endocrine disruptors might be the culprit.
Source name: Dr. Travison, Dr. Araujo, Dr. Hall, Dr. McKinlay, writing in the journal 'Current opinion in endocrinology, diabetes, and obesity'
- Reduced testosterone tied to endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure
Description: Men, women and children exposed to high levels of phthalates, endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics and some personal care products, tended to have reduced levels of testosterone in their blood compared to those with lower chemical exposure, according to a new study.
Source name: Science daily, summarizing work by Dr. Meeker and Dr Ferguson.
- Lower Serum Testosterone Associated with Elevated Polychlorinated Biphenyl Concentrations in Native American Men
Description: a study found that men exposed to more endocrine disruptors called "PCBs" had lower testosterone.
Dr Goncharov, Dr Rej, Dr Negoita, Dr Schymura, Dr Santiago-Rivera, Dr Morse, publishing in the journal "Environmental Health Perspectivies"
- Serum Testosterone Concentrations and Urinary Bisphenol A, Benzophenone-3, Triclosan, and Paraben Levels in Male and Female Children and Adolescents: NHANES 2011–2012
Description: a study found that exposure to BPA lowered testosterone in boys and raised it in girls.
Dr. Scinicariello and Dr. Buser, publishing in the journal "Environmental Health Perspectivies"
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How Chemicals in Plastic Lower Testosterone
Description: a study found that exposure to phthaltes led to a big drop in testosterone for middle aged men, boys, and even women.
Nextavenue.org, discussing this study by Dr. Meeker and Dr. Ferguson.
- Associations between urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites and serum testosterone in U.S. adult males: National Health and nutrition examination survey 2011-2012
Description: a Chinese study found a link between exposure to exhaust from fossil fuels and lowered testosterone.
Dr. Lingling Wang, Dr. Weiyue Hu, Dr. Yankai Xia, Dr. Xinru Wang, publishing in the journal, "Environmental science and pollution research international".
Endocrine disruptors hurt male fertility
- Role of environmental estrogens in the deterioration of male factor fertility
Description: sperm quality and count was significantly worse in men with higher amounts of endocrine disruptors in their bloodstream.
Source name: Dr. Rozati, Dr. Reddy, Dr. Reddanna, Dr. Mujtaba, reporting the results of a clinical trial.
- Food Additives and Child Health
Description: 'A robust literature, including numerous animal and human studies, shows that DEHP, benzyl butyl phthalate, and dibutyl phthalate are antiandrogenic and adversely affect male fetal genital development. These chemicals exert direct testicular toxicity, thereby reducing circulating testosterone concentrations within the body and increasing the risk of hypospadias and cryptorchidism at birth. These phthalates are also associated with changes in men’s hormone concentrations and changes in sperm motility and quantity.'
Source name: Dr. Trasande, Dr. Shaffer, and Dr. Sathyanarayana writing in the Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- Male Reproduction: One of the Primary Targets of Bisphenol
Description: a study found that exposure to BPA decreased sperm count and motility in adult men.
Source name: Dr. Jambor, Dr. Jana, Dr. Hana, Dr. Eva and Dr. Norbert
- Regional differences and temporal trends in male reproductive health disorders: semen quality may be a sensitive marker of environmental exposures
Description: researchers found evidence for related problems affecting male children including genital abnormalities, poor sperm quality, and testicular cancer. They concluded exposure to endocrine disruptors was the most likely cause.
Source name: Dr. Nordkap, Dr. Joensen, Dr. Jensen, Dr. writing in the journal Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology.
- Adverse effects of bisphenol A on male reproductive function
Description: A review of recent studies concluded that BPA can contribute to erectile dysfunction, low libido, and abnormal sperm in heavily exposed adult men. In addition, exposure in utero was found to have even worse reproductive side effects, along with signs of feminization in boys.
Source name: a study by five doctors, published in the journal Reviews of environmental contamination and toxicology.
- Direct action of endocrine disrupting chemicals on human sperm
Description: a study found that endocrine disrupting chemicals harm sperm, impairing their ability to fertilize eggs.
Source name: a team of 14 doctors, writing in the European Molecular Biology Organization reports
- Age at First Presentation for Erectile Dysfunction: Analysis of Changes over a 12-yr Period
Description: men are reporting erectile dysfunction at younger and younger ages
Source name: a team of eleven researchers, writing in the journal European Urology Focus
- Endocrine Disruptors Acting on Estrogen and Androgen Pathways Cause Reproductive Disorders through Multiple Mechanisms: A Review
Description: a study found that common endocrine disruptors are highly toxic, that they interfere with estrogen & androgen pathways in the body, which in turn causes infertility in both sexes.
Source name: a team of eleven researchers, writing in the journal, "International journal of environmental research and public health"
- An Alarming Decline in Sperm Quality Could Threaten the Future of the Human Race, and the Chemicals Likely Responsible Are Everywhere
Description: an interview with Shanna Swan, epidemiologist. Dr. Swan believes that endocrine disruptors are potentially an extinction level threat for two reasons. First, they seriously harm fertility, especially male fertility. Second, in animal studies the damage to fertility grows with each exposed generation, and impaired fertility can be passed on to new generations. So if humans are like animals, the day may come when we can't have kids naturally.
Source name: Dr. Swan.
- Male Reproductive Disorders and Fertility Trends: Influences of Environment and Genetic Susceptibility
Description: this study notes that fertility is declining across the developed world, and blames the impact of endocrine disrupting chemicals for that decline, particularly exposure in utero.
Source name: a study by thirteen doctors, publishing in the journal, "Physiological reviews".
- Endocrine disrupting chemicals and impact on male reproductive health
Description: "There is an increasing amount of research to suggest that male children are more likely to develop reproductive disorders in response to neonatal and especially prenatal exposure; such exposures are even more likely to occur now with the increasing prevalence of EDCs in general consumer goods."
Source name: Dr. Saba Rehman, Dr. Usman, Dr. Sabeen Rehman, Dr. Al Draihem, Dr. Noor Rehman, Dr. Ibraheem Rehman, and Dr. Ahmad, publishing in the journal "Translational andrology and urology".
- Phthalate exposure and male reproductive outcomes: A systematic review of the human epidemiological evidence
Description: this systematic review of dozens of studies concluded there was strong evidence that phthalates undermine male fertility, sperm quality, and testosterone.
Source name: Dr. Radke, Dr. Braun, Dr. Meeker, and Dr. Cooper publishing in the journal of "Environment International"
- DNA damage in human sperm is related to urinary levels of phthalate monoester and oxidative metabolites
Description: men with higher levels of phthalates in their body were more likely to have DNA damage in their sperm.
Source name: Dr. Hauser, Dr. Meeker, Dr. Singh, Dr. Silva, Dr. Ryan, Dr. Duty, Dr. Calafat publishing in the journal "Human reproduction"
- Direct action of endocrine disrupting chemicals on human sperm
Description: "We conclude that EDCs interfere with various sperm functions and, thereby, might impair human fertilization."
Source name: a study by fourteen scientists, publishing in "European Molecular Biology Organization reports".
- Sperm DNA fragmentation is a novel biomarker for early pregnancy loss
Description: Sperm DNA fragmentation increases the chance of miscarriage, and since EDC exposure leads to sperm DNA fragmentation, it is indirectly related to miscarriage.
Dr. Haddock, Dr. Gordon, Dr. Lewis, Dr. Larsen, Amjad Shehata, Hassan Shehata publishing in "Reproductive Biomedicine Online"
Exposure to endocrine disruptors leads to smaller penises and genital deformities in baby boys
- Pollution taking a toll on penis size, scientist claims
Description: 'A class of chemicals called phthalates that are often used to make plastics more flexible is exacting a toll on fertility rates and leading to genital malformation, an environmental scientist claims.
Swan’s research began with rats, findings that rat fetuses exposed to the chemical were more likely to be born with shrunken genitals. Later, Swan found that male human fetuses exposed to phthalates resulted in a decreased anogenital distance, a measure associated with penile length.'Source name: Fox News
- Human penises are shrinking because of pollution, warns scientist
Description: 'Penises are shrinking and genitals becoming malformed because of pollution, an environmental scientist has warned in a new book detailing the challenges facing human reproduction.
Dr Shanna Swan writes that humanity is facing an "existential crisis" in fertility rates as a result of phthalates, a chemical used when manufacturing plastics that impacts the hormone-producing endocrine system.'Source name: Sky News
- Possible impact of phthalates on infant reproductive health
Description: 'Phthalates adversely affect the male reproductive system in animals, inducing hypospadias, cryptorchidism, reduced testosterone production and decreased sperm counts. Phthalate effects are much more severe after in utero than adult exposure.' The researchers then examined two studies that supported the danger of endocrine disruptors to human babies.
Source name: study by Dr. G Lottrup, Dr. A-M Andersson, Dr. H Leffers, Dr. G K Mortensen, Dr. J Toppari, Dr. N E Skakkebaek, Dr. K M Main
- Phthalates and Baby Boys: Potential Disruption of Human Genital Development
Description: '[T]he researchers conclude that, consistent with animal studies, these data provide support for a link between prenatal phthalate exposure and health effects in humans. The researchers suggest that commonly used phthalates may adversely affect male reproductive development.'
Source name: Dr Julia R Barrett
- First trimester phthalate exposure and male newborn genital anomalies
Description: A study found that boys with prenatal exposure to phthalates were three times more likely to be born with genital deformities, like hydrocele, undescended testicles, and hypospadias
Source name: a study by eight doctors, publishing in the journal, "Environmental research"
- Endocrine-disrupting chemicals and male reproductive health
Description: "EDCs exposure in utero may lead to developmental abnormalities in the male, which may result in reproductive abnormalities in adult life and includes cryptorchidism, hypospadias, poor semen quality, and a predisposition to testicular germ cell cancers..."
Source name: a meta study by six doctors, publishing in the journal of Reproductive Medicine and Biology
- Maternal exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals and hypospadias in offspring
Description: a study found a link between maternal exposure to endocrine disruptors and a male genital deformity known as hypospadias.
Source name: a team of eleven researchers writing in the journal, 'Birth Defects Research. Part A, Clinical and molecular teratology.'
- Possible impact of phthalates on infant reproductive health
Description: 'Phthalates adversely affect the male reproductive system in animals, inducing hypospadias, cryptorchidism, reduced testosterone production and decreased sperm counts. Phthalate effects are much more severe after in utero than adult exposure.' The researchers then examined two studies that supported the danger of endocrine disruptors to human babies.
Source name: study by Dr. G Lottrup, Dr. A-M Andersson, Dr. H Leffers, Dr. G K Mortensen, Dr. J Toppari, Dr. N E Skakkebaek, Dr. K M Main
- Center for the Study & Treatment of Hypospadias
Description: exposure to endocrine disruptors is associated with an abnormality in a developing penis known as 'hypospadias', in both people and animals.
Source name: Mission Statement- Center for the Study & Treatment of Hypospadias
Endocrine disruptors shorten lifespans and can cause cancer in adults
- Synthetic chemical in consumer products linked to early death, study finds
Description: Synthetic chemicals called phthalates, found in hundreds of consumer products such as food storage containers, shampoo, makeup, perfume and children's toys, may contribute to some 91,000 to 107,000 premature deaths a year among people ages 55 to 64 in the United States, a new study found. People with the highest levels of phthalates had a greater risk of death from any cause, especially cardiovascular mortality, according to the study published Tuesday in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Pollution.
Source name: CNN, reporting on the results of a scientific study
- Phthalates and attributable mortality: A population-based longitudinal cohort study and cost analysis
Description: a study found that heavy exposure to phthalates leads to somewhere between 90,761 - 107,283 early deaths in the US each year.
Source name: Dr. Trasande, Dr. Liu, and Dr. Bao, publishing in the journal Environmental Pollution
- Association Between Bisphenol A Exposure and Risk of All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality in US Adults
Description: a study found that adults with higher levels of BPA in their body were 49% more likely to die from all causes over the course of 10 years, then adults with less. The two most common causes of death were cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Source name: Dr. Wei Bao, Dr. Buyun Liu, Dr. Shuang Rong publishing in the journal, "Environmental Health"
- Human exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals: effects on the male and female reproductive systems
Description: "In human populations, the majority of the studies point towards an association between exposure to EDCs and male and/or female reproduction system disorders, such as infertility, endometriosis, breast cancer, testicular cancer, poor sperm quality and/or function."
Source name: Dr. Sifakis, Dr. Androutsopoulos, Dr. Tsatsakis, Dr. Spandidos, publishing in the journal "Environmental toxicology and pharmacology".
- Millions consuming 'invisible toxic cocktail' of cancer-linked chemicals: study
Description: PFAS, an endocrine disruptor and carcinogen, has contaminated the tap water of millions of Americans.
Source name: the Hill, reporting on tap water tests by the Environmental Working Group.
- Bisphenol A and Hormone-Associated Cancers: Current Progress and Perspectives
Description: an article reviewing recent studies linked BPA to developing hormone-dependent cancers, like breast, ovary, and prostate cancer.
Source name: Dr. Hui Gao, Dr. Bao-Jun Yang, Dr. Nan Li, Dr. Li-Min Feng, Dr. Xiao-Yu Shi, Dr. Wei-Hong Zhao, and Dr Si-Jin Liu publishing in the journal, "Medicine".
- Stop eating plastic, molecular signaling of bisphenol A in breast cancer
Description: a study found that there was a link between BPA exposure and developing breast cancer, so it recommended advising women to reduce exposure.
Source name: a study by nine doctors, publishing "Environmental science and pollution research international".
- Actions of estrogens and endocrine disrupting chemicals on human prostate stem/progenitor cells and prostate cancer risk
Description: scientists are able to turn human prostate stem cells cancerous by exposing them to endocrine disrupting chemicals.
Source name: Dr. Wen-Yang Hu, Dr. Guang-Bin Shi, Dr. Dan-Ping Hu, Dr. Jason L Nelles, and Dr. Gail S Prins, publishing in the journal "Molecular and cellular endocrinology"
- Chemicals found in everyday products found to be harmful to fertility
Description: couples with higher exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals were more likely to struggle to get pregnant.
Source name: Newswise, reporting on three studies at the University of Albany.
The damage from endocrine disruptors can be inherited by the next generation
- Multigenerational and transgenerational effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals: A role for altered epigenetic regulation?
Description: a study found the reproductive harm from endocrine disruptors compounded over generations of mice, eventually making it extremely difficult for them to have children.
Source name: Dr. Xin, Dr. Susiarjo, and Dr. Bartolomei publishing in the journal "Seminars in cell & developmental biology".
- Epigenetic transgenerational actions of endocrine disruptors
Description: a study found that exposure to an endocrine disruptor in utero was able to affect male fertility and cause disease down to the great grandchild generation in mice.
Source name: Dr. Anway, Dr. Skinner, publishing in the journal "Endocrinology"
- Plastics Derived Endocrine Disruptors (BPA, DEHP and DBP) Induce Epigenetic Transgenerational Inheritance of Obesity, Reproductive Disease and Sperm Epimutations
Description: a animal study found that rats exposed to high levels of phthalates had higher levels of testicular disease and obesity, and these problems were passed down to the grandchild generation.
Source name: Dr. Manikkam, Dr. Tracey, Dr. Guerrero-Bosagna, and Dr. Skinner.
- Three-Generation Study of Male Rats Gestationally Exposed to High Butterfat and Bisphenol A: Impaired Spermatogenesis, Penetrance with Reduced Severity
Description: a study of mice found that exposure to BPA hurt the sperm quality of male mice, which was inherited by their offspring. The severity of the impairment diminished with the grandchild generation.
Source name: ten doctors, publishing in the journal "Nutrients"
Endocrine disrupting chemicals have been proven to hurt animals
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In Mice, the damage from endocrine disruptors builds over generations, until eventually they struggle to have kids at all.
WSU researchers see new plastics causing reproductive woes of old plastics -
Phthalates: The Everywhere Chemical
Description: In lab animals, phthalate exposure has been found to be associated with numerous reproductive health and developmental problems such as:
- Early onset of puberty.
- Interfering with the male reproductive tract development.
- Interfering with the natural functioning of the hormone system.
- Causing reproductive and genital defects.
- Lower testosterone levels in adolescent males.
- Lower sperm count in adult males.
Source name: Zero Breast Cancer Handout
- Male Reproductive Effects of Phthalates: An Emerging Picture
Description: In laboratory settings, exposure to phthalates causes reproductive harm to male mice and rats
Source name: Dr Jane Hoppin, in the Journal of Epidemiology
- Endocrine disruptors cause animals to have abnormal and smaller penises, such as:
- alligators
- otters
- minks
- PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP)
Description: 'In studies of pregnant mice and rats orally exposed to large doses of DEHP, effects on the development of the fetus, including birth defects and even fetal death, were observed. Researchers observed alterations in the structure of bones and of parts of the brain, and in the liver, kidney, and testes of the young animals.'
Source name: the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry - Division of Toxicology
- From malformations to molecular mechanisms in the male: three decades of research on endocrine disrupters
Description: 'For three decades, we have known that estrogens alter the development of the mammalian reproductive system in predictable ways. In mice exposed prenatally to diethylstilbestrol (DES) or other estrogens, the male offspring exhibit structural malformations.'
Source name: Dr. McLachlan, Dr. Newbold, Dr. Burow, Dr. Li
- Plastics derived endocrine disruptors (BPA, DEHP and DBP) induce epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of obesity, reproductive disease and sperm epimutations
Description: rats exposed to endocrine disruptors had increased obesity, reproductive problems, and sperm problems that could be inherited by their children and their grandchildren.
Source name: Dr. Manikkam, Dr. Tracey, Dr. Guerrero-Bosagna, and Dr. Skinner