New research gives us another reason to drop the endocrine disruptors.
The renowned journal “Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” has just published a new study which shows a connection between endocrine disruptors and hormone-related disorders in women.
A number of endocrine disruptors were investigated, including DDE and a number of degradation products of the phthalate DEHP. DDE is a by-product of the pesticide DDT, which has been banned in the EU for many years. However, due to the long degradation time, the by-products are still found in nature.
The drugs were studied in relation to two common hormone-related disorders in women: endometriosis and muscle knots in the uterus (fibroids). Of all women of childbearing age, 5-10 percent suffer from endometriosis. In addition, about half of all women get muscle knots before they reach menopause. Both disorders can make it harder to get pregnant.
The research concludes that endocrine disruptors may contribute significantly to the development of endometriosis and fibroids. The two hormone-related diseases cost the EU 1.5 billion euros each year – about 10.5 billion kroner.
In the EU, special permission is required for the use of DEHP, as the substance is recognized as being particularly problematic. At present, however, EU countries are considering allowing the use of DEHP in plastics for a wide range of consumer products. This consideration is strongly criticized by i.a. The Ecological Council and members of the European Parliament. The researchers behind the study also hope that the new figures will lead the consideration in a different direction.
Author: The editorial staff at ecolove..com