Hormones are pretty great indicators of your overall quality of living. After all, they play a role in everything from your quality of sleep and mood to bodily functions, metabolism and reproduction. So when hormones are disrupted, it can be a big deal. That’s why there are so many online conversations about hormone-disrupting chemicals, which are in certain cleaning products and even fragrances.
But how do you identify these chemicals? What do they do? And how do you avoid them? Keep scrolling to discover how they may be affecting your life, and what you can do about it.
Related: 7 Canadian-Made Cleaning Products to Check Out
What Are Endocrine Disruptors?
Hormone-disrupting chemicals are more broadly known as endocrine disruptors. The endocrine system is the system of hormone-producing glands in your body, like testosterone, estrogen, insulin and adrenaline. Chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system are known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, or EDCs.
EDCs can clog up the pathways between your hormones and receptors, mimic naturally occurring hormones that mess with your body’s reactions, or have a direct effect on a gland and how many hormones it produces.
Where Do EDCs Come From?
Some EDCs are natural, while others are manufactured. They’re a lot more common than we think, and can be found in everything from pesticides and hand sanitizers to storage containers and non-stick pans. Additionally, there are countless chemicals out there in the world that people are exposed to every day. It’s tough for scientists to study the effects of certain EDCs on humans.
So far, early research indicates there could be correlations between EDCs and things like obesity, diabetes, reproductive problems, certain types of cancer, thyroid problems and prostate issues.
Related: Balcony Cleaning Tips That Make a Difference
What Are Some Common Endocrine Disruptors in My Cleaning Supplies?
Here are some common EDCs to look for when scanning the ingredient list for your favourite cleaning product:
Phthalates are used to make plastics more durable and flexible or to make fragrances last longer on the skin. Early research indicates that phthalates could lead to obesity, metabolic issues and reproductive problems.
Parabens are a group of chemical compounds that help preserve the shelf life of products. They contain antibacterial and antifungal properties and are often found in cleaning products. Early research has linked parabens to potential reproductive problems, cancers and skin irritations.
Glycol ethers are known for their dissolving superpowers, which makes them a popular choice in cleaning products meant to fight grease, grime and stubborn stains. There is little research on the effects of ethers on humans, but some studies show a possible connection with metabolic, reproductive and developmental issues.
Triclosan is a man-made antimicrobial chemical — often found in cleaning products and laundry detergents. They may affect development and reproduction. There’s also a growing concern about the use of triclosan in everyday products like cutting boards and toys, especially since it’s been detected in urine and breast milk.
Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) are synthetic substances often used in detergents and other cleaning products, because of their ability to spread and wet surfaces more easily. They have been known to mimic estrogen and can potentially affect reproduction.
Bisphenol As (BPA) can be found in plastic containers used for food and drink, but it is also used in cleaning products and their packaging. This is of concern because the BPAs can transfer, or “leach” into the product the container is holding. BPAs have been linked to behavioral changes, the increased risk of certain cancers, early puberty and decreased sperm production.
How Can I Avoid Hormone Disruptors in My Cleaning Supplies?
While we can’t change the way products are produced, we do have control over what we consume and purchase. Choose basic cleaners without extra scents or a long list of chemical ingredients you don’t understand. When you can, opt for a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to clean your house instead of using bottled cleaners.
Using “green” or natural cleaning products is another option, especially if you don’t have time to make your cleaners. However, it’s important to scan the ingredient list because some “green” products aren’t as friendly as they seem. “Greenwashing” has become a common marketing strategy.
When you do clean, try opening windows, runing fans and getting a good ventilation system going. Doing so will minimize the amount of chemicals you inhale.
What Are Some Canadian Brands to Look Into?
If you want a head start on Canadian brands that offer natural cleaning products, here are five Canadian companies that offer transparent products with your health and the environment in mind.
Nellie’s: Offers laundry, kitchen, and bathroom cleaning supplies that are free from toxins, phosphates, and synthetic scents.
The Unscented Company: Offers home care and laundry lines to help clean up your space in a scent-free and environmentally sound way.
Tru Earth: Offers sustainable and environmentally-friendly products that help to reduce the amount of plastic in the world.
The Bare Home: Offers cleaning products and personal care items made from natural ingredients and packaged in reusable containers.
Good Juju: Offers Canadian-manufactured cleaning products made from sustainably sourced materials and packaged in plastic-free, biodegradable containers.
