Key Publications on EDCs

HEEDS New Science

• Exposure to chemicals in plastics linked to cancer diagnoses: Study
  There’s an association between higher levels of phenols and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS or “forever chemicals,” and previous diagnoses of different types of cancer, researchers from the University of South California found. The study, published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, looked at data from 10,000 people who […]
• Estrogenic endocrine disruptor exposure linked to erectile dysfunction in mice
  In young adult male mice, lifelong exposure to an estrogenic endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) caused changes to erectile tissue function that are indicative of erectile dysfunction, according to a study recently published in Communications Biology.In short: Exposure to the estrogenic drug DES caused erectile tissue dysfunction in the tissues of exposed mice.Directly exposing erectile tissues […]
• PlastChem: State-of-the-science of hazardous chemicals in plastic
  This new state-of-the science report from the PlastChem project addresses chemicals of concern in plastics and ways to address them.
• American Heart Association: Children must be protected from health threats of environmental toxics
  The American Heart Association (AHA) recently published a scientific statement in Circulation highlighting evidence that children’s exposure to environmental pollutants may be a key risk factor for developing cardiovascular conditions throughout their lifespan. In short: There’s a well-established association between cardiovascular diseases and exposure to climate change, air pollution and endocrine disrupting chemicals. Early life […]
• Flame retardant chemicals linked to increased risk of cancer-related death
  Higher exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a group of dangerous chemicals commonly used as flame retardants, is associated with an increased risk of death from cancer, according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open.In short:U.S. adults with the highest levels of exposure to PBDEs had a nearly 300% increased risk of cancer […]
• Chemical exposure may reduce the success of weight loss surgery
  Obese adolescents with higher levels of exposure to the toxic chemical DDE are less likely to have successful results after bariatric weight loss surgery, according to a new study published in Obesity. In short: DDE is an environmental pollutant that results from the breakdown of the pesticide DDT, and is considered an obesogen. Adolescents with […]
• Exploring the link between household chemicals and neurological disorders
  A new study identifies two chemicals in everyday items as potential culprits behind neurological issues.Arianna Johnson reports for Forbes.In short:Researchers pinpoint quaternary ammonium compounds and organophosphate flame retardants in household products as potentially harmful to brain health.These chemicals are implicated in damaging brain cells crucial for nerve protection, possibly contributing to disorders like autism and […]
• Water treatment policies linked to decrease in arsenic-related cancers
  According to a new study published in Environment International, the frequency of several arsenic-related cancers in Taiwan decreased significantly once the nation began treating their tap water supply to reduce arsenic contamination. In short: Water treatment was associated with reduced occurrences of 5 types of cancers, including certain forms of lung, bladder, and skin cancer. […]
• Food packaging materials contain large numbers of untested hazardous PFAS
  A recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology points out the large knowledge gaps around the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) - a group of chemicals associated with severe health issues - in food packaging materials.In short:The study found that 68 types of PFAS have been detected in food packaging materials, including […]
• Petrochemical exposure linked to health risks
  A recent review highlights the harmful impact of petrochemicals on health, with evidence pointing to an increase in chronic diseases.Liza Gross reports for Inside Climate News.In short:Petrochemical production has surged since the 1950s, correlating with a rise in chronic and deadly diseases.The review calls for reduced reliance on fossil fuels, not only for environmental reasons […]