An endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) is any chemical known or strongly suspected to interfere with the human endocrine system. The endocrine system is responsible for regulating the body's hormones, affecting many of our most important chemical and physical cycles related to development, reproduction, brain functioning, immune response, and other vital bodily functions.
An EDC can mimic human hormones or otherwise interfere with their healthy functioning. They may cause issues with reproduction, development, brain activity, immune response, and more. These chemicals are found in household products used by people every day, including certain liners used in cans for foodstuffs, plastic packaging and containers, flame retardant chemicals, food preservatives, cosmetics, pesticides, and even children's toys! Making matters worse, many of the most-concerning endocrine chemicals break down slowly in the environment, allowing them to build up in areas where humans may come into contact with or inside the bodies of plant and animal organisms we consume as food.
