Why is Research on EDCs so Important?

By: Maira Nadeem

Daily, we are being exposed to plastic chemicals that are silently undermining our overall reproductive health. These chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, microplastics, nanoplastics, etc, all fall under a class of compounds called endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). EDCs are known to disrupt normal ovarian and testicular function, resulting in unexplained cases of infertility and a plethora of health issues including cancers. With the rise of couples facing fertility issues, sperm counts constantly decreasing in men of reproductive age, and women experiencing diseases such as endometriosis and PCOS, we must explore the bounds by which these chemicals are affecting our bodies to ensure a healthy society. 

Majority of known plastic EDCs are ubiquitous in the environment; meaning we are more than likely being exposed to them constantly through many different sources including the water and air. Once in the body, these chemicals can enter the bloodstream and translocate into different bodily organs and interact with normal bodily functions. In the case of EDCs, these chemicals tend to be molecularly similarly to the vital hormones, testosterone and estrogen, which are responsible for reproductive processes in males and females respectively. Hormones function by binding to receptors in target cells and once the receptor-hormone complex is created, it enters the cell’s nucleus to promote transcription of genes to bring about many different processes such as ovulation in females and sperm production in males. EDCs can bind to hormone receptors and either block the binding of the real hormone causing no response or mimic the hormone causing the receptor-hormone complex to promote transcription of genes inappropriately. EDCs can also act to disrupt the production of hormones and their receptors. This results in a disruption to normal reproductive function. 

As someone who has had my own battle with hormonal issues, research on EDCs and their effects provide answers to those who are left with none. Majority of the general population are not aware of exactly how seemingly inert materials can play a role in the health issues that plague their lives. I certainly did not, which is why this research is crucial to offer awareness and regulation on the productions of plastics. This is especially relevant to residents of New Jersey as we are avid users and producers of plastic. According to an article posted by USA Today, even after the plastic bag ban, New Jersey’s plastic consumption tripled. This is mainly due to the fact that alternatives were sought out and many of the alternatives to plastic bags, albeit reusable, were still made out of plastics. Similarly, when EDCs such as phthalates were outlawed, companies, including those in our very state, produced alternatives that cause the same disruptions as the original, if not more, but are still marketed as “phthalate free.” It is clear that more action must be taken to mitigate the issue not only in New Jersey, but nationally as well. 

I believe that education is a powerful tool that can lead to both consumers and policy makers to make smart choices in regards to their health. Using the knowledge gained from research on EDCs, it is crucial that we promote education on the subject of reproductive health and the possible consequences plastic EDCs may have on it as well as fight for change in policy to prevent further exposure to EDCs.