How to Avoid Environmental Oestrogens

Nowadays they’re almost everywhere. They’re consumed with food and water, absorbed through your skin and inhaled into your lungs.

One source of xenoestrogens is from pesticides and herbicides, both those used commercially and in household gardens, so traces of them will be on non-organic produce. These chemicals can persist in the environment and the food chain for decades, especially in marine life. Some food additives have been found to contain oestrogenic compounds, too, such as propyl gallate, known as E310 ¹.

They’re also found in industrial pollutants, including chemicals emitted when coal, oil and wood are burned to produce energy. These chemicals are then inhaled and make their way into your bloodstream.

Xenoestrogens are present in chemicals used in dry cleaning, and they’re found in household cleaners, air fresheners and laundry products. Look for phthalates listed on the ingredients ².

Other culprits are personal care products like moisturisers, cosmetics, sunscreens, nail polish, shampoos and shower gels. They often contain parabens, used as preservatives and acting as potent xenoestrogens.

You might not believe your sofa could affect your oestrogen levels, but it’s true. Xenoestrogens are even present in home furnishings, used in chemicals like flame retardants and stain removers. In a process known as off-gassing, new products emit vapours containing oestrogenic chemicals long after they’ve been manufactured. These are responsible for the ‘new carpet’ smell.

Finally, oestrogenic compounds are found in the plastic used to make food containers and single-use water bottles. You might have heard of BPA, and this is one hormone-disrupting chemical in plastic which easily passes into food and liquid, especially if it’s warmed, and if the food contains oil, like cheese or meat.