CHART
OF KNOWN AND SUSPECTED
HORMONE DISRUPTORS
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Plastics
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| Phthalates
–
class of chemicals used as plasticizers (to make plastics more flexible).
Some of the hormone disrupting phthalates are DEHP (di-ethylhexyl
phthalate), BBP (butyl benzyl phthalate, DBP (di-n-butyl phthalate,
and DEP (diethyl phthalate). |
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a component of plastic. It is one of the top 50 chemicals in production. Coats metal products (like tin cans and bottle tops) and water supply pipes. Used in polycarbonate plastics, dental sealants and composites. |
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Detergents
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| Alkylphenolic
compounds (APEs)
and nonyl phenols (NPEs)
– class
of chemical surfactants that dissolve and remove oils and grease
and make products more water soluble.
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Some clothes washing and commercial detergents, personal products (hair dye, shampoo, shaving creams, cosmetics, spermicides), latex paints. Also used as stabilizers and antioxidants in plastics. |
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POPs
(persistent organic pollutants)
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Dioxins (family of 75 compounds) and furans (135 dibenzofurans). Most potent is tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). |
Created when plastic, especially PVC, and other chlorinated compounds are burned or produced. |
| PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) – class of 209 compounds. | Previously used as electrical insulator, adhesive, lubricant. Now banned, but still found in environment. |
| Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) – vinyl, most widely used plastics. Often mixed with phthalates. | Children's toys, older teething rings, flooring, etc. |
| Pesticides | Both active and inert ingredients can be EDCs. |
| Other EDCs | |
| PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) | Come from incomplete combustion of petrochemical products, wood and tobacco. |
| Heavy metals – lead, cadmium, and mercury. | Lead – lead crystal, plumbing, PVC, batteries, old paint, tin cans... Cadmium – NiCad batteries, stabilizers in plastics, fossil fuels.. Mercury – fluorescent lights, pesticides, dental fillings, seed coatings. |