Hormone disruptors imitate our real hormones, so the body is “fooled” into thinking they’re the same thing. The toxins can then bind to the same sites as natural hormones do, altering normal function. Circulating around in the blood stream like tourists, they look for certain “target” cells. When they find the right one, they attach and activate that cell to start a certain function. The cell can then operate like a robot gone wrong, dividing more than it should and incorrectly activating genes.

“Each time they divide, they have the risk of copying DNA incorrectly and creating mutations in key genes,” says Suzanne Snedeker, Ph.D., “which may lead to increased breast cancer risk.” Suzanne is talking specifically about synthetic chemicals that mimic estrogen, a female hormone, and cause it to abnormally multiply. Research shows that other hormone disruptors can cause problems like other cancers, thyroid disorders, diabetes, and behavioral abnormalities in children.

The best way to protect yourself is to limit your exposure to the products that carry these toxins. We’ve put together a partial list here to get you started.

• Pesticides. Many are known to have hormone-disrupting effects. Buy organic and locally grown food. Avoid pesticide use, and peel non-organic produce.
• Plastics. May contain phthalates, known to be hormone disruptors. Microwave foods in ceramic or glass containers (instead of plastic). Avoid plastic cling wrap on food—cover with a paper-towel instead. Give children toys made of more natural materials. Use a stainless steel bottle for water rather than buying plastic bottled water.
• Mercury. Limit your consumption of tuna and other high-mercury fish to one-two times a week, less if you’re pregnant. Ask your dentist for porcelain fillings instead of mercury.
• Detergents. May contain chemicals that are hormone disruptors. Avoid “super-strength” cleaners and purchase organic or natural laundry detergents.
• Shampoos & Conditioners. These often contain parabens, which have been linked with breast tumors. Read labels, and choose non-toxic products like Avalon and Jason hair products.
• Liquid Soaps. Many contain “triclosan,” an antibacterial agent that’s been linked to hormone disruption in animals. Choose organic or natural brands like Burt’s Bees.
• Lotions. Believe it or not, many have the same dangerous phthalates that are found in plastics, which have been linked with damaged sexual development in baby boys. Look for chemical names like DBP, DEP, and DEHP. Choose organic and natural lotions—check the Skin Deep Database for your favorite formulas.
• Sunscreens. Some contain chemicals like 4-Methyl-Benzylidencamphor (4-MBC), Oxybenzone, Benzophenone-3, and Octyl-methoyl-cinnamates (OMC), which can act as hormone disruptors. Look for more natural formulas with titles that include words like “organic,”  “chemical-free” and “sensitive.”

Have you changed your purchasing habits to reduce exposure to hormone disruptors? Please share your experience.

Photo courtesy of moonwell via Flickr.com.

The fuss around parabens may seem like the latest trend, but the threat from this synthetic ingredient is worse than you may think. To put it simply, parabens are preservatives used in a variety of cosmetic and personal-care products to help them last longer. They go by many different names, including butyl, isobutyl, isoprobyl, methyl, and propyl parabens.

Sure, they’re common, but are parabens really that dangerous? According to our “Ingredients to Avoid” list, a study in the 2004 Journal of Toxicology found that “…18 out of 20 breast tumors contained significant concentrations of parabens.” Study researchers added that almost all of the tumors tested originated from products applied to the skin (like deodorants, creams, or body sprays). Although further research needs to be done before the relationship between parabens and cancer becomes clear, experts agree that simply knowing “parabens can be absorbed through the skin and retained in breast tissue” is a step in the right direction. Despite the cosmetic industry’s continual stance that chemicals (like parabens) are not absorbed into the body, scientist Dr. Philippa Darbre explains, “[This study] demonstrates that if people are exposed to these chemicals…then the chemicals will accumulate in their bodies.”

“Think Before Your Pink” details that one of the primary dangers behind paraben ingredients is their ability to disrupt normal hormone function (by adding outside estrogen into the body). Additionally, because we use many products a day, the accumulative affect of toxic ingredients may amplify the dangers of parabens even more. How many of us are really exposed to high levels of parabens in our daily lives? According to the Breast Cancer Fund, “Parabens have been found in almost all urine samples examined from demographically diverse samples of U.S. adults.” Sadly, parabens find a way of sneaking into almost every one of the products we use on a daily basis. Ann estimated 90% of beauty and cleansing products contain this toxic ingredient.

The best way to take control of your health and protect yourself against parabens is to know the ingredients in your favorite products. Super sleuth and savvy blogger The Paraben Princess explains her process: “When I’m looking for a new product, I check for the list of ingredients online. It’s easier to read labels online than in the store. I start at the bottom and read my way up. The bad stuff is usually the preservative and will be near the end. If there is an ingredient I don’t recognize, I look it up on the Cosmetics Safety Database.” (Click here to read our post on reading product labels). Fortunately, there are a wide array of organic and toxin-free companies that specialize in paraben-free products (including Afterglow Cosmetics and Aubrey Organics). If you want to know more, research safe brands at websites like Skin Deep, or check out a complete list of paraben-free alternatives here.

* What Do You Think: Do you take the studies about paraben ingredients and cancer seriously? What are your tips or tricks for choosing paraben-free products?

Photo courtesy of Snap Village