Because many EDCs are lipophilic, our bodies often store them in our fat cells, often for years at a time.
While bisphenol A tends to exit the body quickly, we are commonly exposed to it on a daily basis, usually through a compound that leaches into our food, allowing the chemical an opportunity to exert an effect, even if the results of this effect aren’t immediately apparent. “If it’s a pregnant woman or someone planning a family, that exposure can change something,” Dr. Gore warned.
Although earlier studies had linked EDC exposure to a variety of reproductive health concerns, Dr. Gore said that since the Society’s last statement, there is much more corroborating evidence. In particular, polycystic ovarian syndrome in humans has been associated with higher body burdens of BPA and other chemicals, as have endometriosis, fibroids, and some adverse birth outcomes. Still, much of the data come from animal studies, and studies of specific links between EDCs and reproductive outcomes and cancers are inconsistent.
According to Dr. Renee Howard, a pediatric dermatologist with Sutter Health in San Francisco, who regularly gives presentations on the effects of EDCs in cosmetics and other skin care products, although much of the current research shows a link between EDCs and chronic illness, so far a causal relationship has not been established. Still, she said she routinely tells other physicians to keep an “open mind” when discussing EDCs with patients.
“We can acknowledge there is uncertainty, and we can tell patients that these chemicals are actively being studied, but that the studies are, as of now, inconclusive, and that there are still no documented adverse health effects associated with skin care products,” Dr. Howard said. Nevertheless, she said common sense dictates her to counsel patients to avoid products containing the EDC triclosan such as antimicrobials and scented products. She also advises them to eat organic produce in order to avoid pesticides.
Dr. Gore and her coauthors hope the statement will help bump EDC oversight higher up the policy chain globally.
“Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals during early development can have long-lasting, even permanent consequences,” Endocrine Society member Dr. Jean-Pierre Bourguignon, a professor of pediatric endocrinology at the University of Liège in Belgium, said in a statement. “The science is clear, and it’s time for policy makers to take this wealth of evidence into account as they develop legislation.”
To that end, earlier this year, twin bills are now before the House and Senate, which – if passed – will take effect in 2018, banning the sale of any personal care products containing microbeads, BPA-rich, microscopic plastic particles that have entered much of the natural water supply, threatening marine life which often mistake the tiny bits as food. Meanwhile, Minnesota has banned the use of triclosan statewide as of 2017.
Dr. Gore also said in addition to funding for this research being made a priority, it’s time to rethink who gets to be in on the science. Rather than just industrial chemists, she believes the teams should include so-called “green chemists,” basic, translational, and clinical scientists; epidemiologists, as well as public health professionals. Health care providers should be familiar with endocrine science and the latest developments in EDC research, accordingly, because, said Dr. Gore, “The [health] costs of EDCs have been estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Prevention might seem expensive, but it’s far-less-expensive than all the ensuing diseases.”
Most of all, Dr. Gore and her colleagues emphasize that there will never be “absolute proof” of anything, but that taking action to stem exposure is essential.
The analysis was sponsored by the Endocrine Society. Dr. Gore is editor in chief of Endocrinology. Dr. Howard disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
On Twitter @whitneymcknight