In recent years, concerns about contaminants in our food and everyday products have made headlines because they have been linked to cancer.
But a growing body of research suggests that the microscopic molecules are also having devastating effects on fertility and may be contributing to America’s “baby bust.”
In two new reviews of scientific literature, researchers from around the world examined the effects of exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on the reproductive health of men and women.
They found that these substances can cause infertility, genital malformations, lower sperm count and quality, premature menopause, and an increased risk of breast and testicular cancer.
EDCs include PFAS, but also pesticides, phenols, a group of chemicals found in toys and dental products; Phthalates, a group of chemicals found in food packaging; parabens, a group of chemicals used as food preservatives; and triclosan, an antimicrobial used in soaps and hand sanitizers.
The effects of EDCs on women include early menopause, increased risk of breast cancer, endometriosis, which can lead to infertility, and metabolic syndrome, which increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes
In men, researchers examined data from several animal and experimental studies and concluded that there was strong evidence of negative effects on male reproductive health and exposure to EDCs
Major sources of PFAS and other contaminants include plastic food containers, makeup, cleaning sprays, medications, contaminated food, and water and air pollution.
Researchers from Vietnam, India, New Zealand and the United States reviewed more than 300 sources of information, including previous experimental studies and data from national and international health surveillance databases, as well as animal studies.
When reviewing the effects on women, the team examined studies that analyzed levels and exposure to pollutants and tested and assessed placenta, urine, blood, hormone levels and tissue.
Researchers found that exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) can lead to worsening egg development and quality and an increased risk of implantation failure, when fertilized eggs fail to implant properly into the uterine lining, often leading to pregnancy loss.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a leading cause of infertility and a risk factor for endometrial cancer and diabetes, has also been linked to BPA exposure.
BPA is a type of plastic used to make plastic tableware, car parts, toys, drink containers and CDs.
Exposure to phthalates, compounds in soaps, shampoos, lubricating oils and plastic packaging, was associated with a lower likelihood of pregnancy and lower quality eggs.
Other effects in women seen in previous studies include early menopause, increased risk of breast cancer, endometriosis, which can lead to infertility, and metabolic syndrome, which increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
These harmful substances can also lead to longer menstrual cycles and early onset of puberty, which have been linked to depression, substance abuse, sexual assault and breast cancer in adults.
The EDC group of PFAS has been linked to a shortening of a mother’s lactation period, i.e.
During pregnancy, exposure to EDCs has been linked to maternal obesity, hypertension, and preeclampsia, a life-threatening blood pressure disorder.
Studies have also shown mixed results on EDC exposure and preterm birth.
Based on their results, the researchers strongly advocate the consumption of organic food and the avoidance of plastic, canned food and drinks.
The data also suggests avoiding fast food, adopting a vegetarian diet, switching personal care products and reducing dust.
Using stainless steel or glass bottles and containers, using cardboard packaging instead of plastic packaging, and avoiding plastic utensils and nonstick cookware also help reduce exposure to contaminants.
Endocrine-disrupting compounds can come from many sources, including plastics, makeup, personal care products, and pharmaceutical products.
Women are often exposed to EDCs in products they use every day, such as makeup, soaps, shampoos, and certain medications.
PFAS is a common contaminant in many household items, from cookware to hamburger packaging. It can remain in the environment and human tissues for years or even decades before being excreted
The researchers emphasize the importance of reducing exposure, particularly in the period just before pregnancy and in the early stages of pregnancy.
In men, researchers examined data from several animal studies and concluded that EDCs also have negative effects on male reproductive health.
Phenols, a large group of chemicals used in construction materials, dental products, food packaging, hand sanitizers and food preservatives, have been shown in animal studies to reduce sperm counts, damage DNA, alter testosterone levels and cause testicular damage.
Phthalates, a group of chemicals found in personal care products, dietary supplements, medications and home furnishings, have been shown in animal studies to cause malformations of the male reproductive tract as well as adverse reproductive effects, including a reduction in testicle size. Malformations of the external genitalia and impaired sperm production.
Semen quality is the most common cause of male infertility, accounting for 40 percent of cases, and poor testicular function is also associated with a higher risk of chronic disease and mortality.
Pesticides, harmful substances used to prevent, destroy, repel or alleviate pests, are used extensively in agriculture and the industry accounts for 90 percent of total pesticide use.
Surveillance data from across the United States shows that almost all Americans have detectable levels of pesticides in their urine or blood.
Diet, particularly fruit and vegetable consumption, is the primary source of population exposure to pesticides – and the Food and Drug Administration has shown that a significant proportion of domestic fruits and vegetables have detectable pesticide residues or residue levels above limits standards .
According to researchers, there is strong experimental evidence in animal studies showing that exposure to pesticides disrupts hormones, reduces sperm count and motility, lowers testosterone levels and alters sperm DNA.
As with the women’s studies, researchers advocate an organic diet.
They also concluded that additional studies, particularly on PFAS and air pollution, are needed to examine the association between these EDCs and male reproductive health.
EDCs are compounds that disrupt the function of the endocrine system, which is responsible for regulating the body’s hormones and all biological processes from conception to old age, including the development of the brain and nervous system and the growth and function of the reproductive system.
The ovaries and testes as well as the pituitary gland, thyroid and adrenal glands are important components of the endocrine system.
A type of EDC, PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of synthetic chemicals found in food packaging, clothing, and thousands of other products in the United States.
Because of their ubiquity, they find their way into the soil, drinking water, air and food, exposing Americans to toxins almost everywhere.
They are considered “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment or the human body and have been linked to birth defects and an increased risk of a number of cancers.
Aside from the strain these medical issues will place on the already strained healthcare industry, the decline in fertility will exacerbate the fertility crisis across the country.
Birth rates in the United States are at historic lows and show no signs of reversing, with experts warning that a continued decline in birth rates will bring the U.S. an economic crisis.
The studies were published in the journals Environmental Research and Fertility and Sterility.