Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals are harmful compounds which are often used in personal care products such as hand wash, body wash, hand sanitiser, and shampoo.  They impact our hormone levels by mimicking our natural hormones, by blocking hormones, and by changing the way our bodies respond to them.

Scientists have drawn a connection between EDCs and obesity to such an extent that two new categories have been coined to describe their role in our endocrine system: obesogens and diabetogens.  Obesogens are chemicals that disrupt our metabolism of fat cells, which can lead to weight gain.  Diabetogens kill and disrupt beta cells, which are responsible for our production of insulin in the body.  This disrupts our normal energy metabolism, which can play a role in the development of diabetes.

To avoid these chemicals, watch for the ingredients in personal care and cleaning products.  Specific ingredients to avoid are tricoslan, phthlates, and tributyltin.  It is especially important for pregnant women, and parents with little ones to be careful of these chemicals as they can have a stronger impact on developing endocrine systems, impacting the way your children’s bodies process and release hormones.

At Bondi Wash, we aim to develop products to help customers avoid these potentially damaging chemicals in every day life. Small changes in habits now can protect our bodies and those of our loved ones into the future.

Sources:

https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/6-obesogens-are-trying-make-you-fat 

https://www.endocrine.org/topics/edc/what-edcs-are/common-edcs/metabolic

https://www.hormone.org/your-health-and-hormones/endocrine-disrupting-chemicals-edcs