Endocrine Disruptors Overview - Endocrine disruptors are molecules capable of disrupting the hormonal system [8] - Hormones are chemical substances produced by glands that act as keys interacting with specific receptors [8][9] - These disruptors can interfere with hormone effects, leading to various health risks [11] Health Risks Associated with Endocrine Disruptors - Potential health risks include hypertension, cancers (prostate, testicles, breast, ovaries), masculinization in women, and feminization in men [12][13] - Sperm count has decreased by half from 1978 to 2020 [13] - Endocrine disruptors can affect puberty, potentially causing precocious puberty in young girls [14] Sources and Presence of Endocrine Disruptors - Common sources include bisphenol, phthalates in plastics, parabens, heavy metals, preservatives (BHA, BHT), and pesticides [18] - Found in medications, plastic packaging, canned goods, paints, and cosmetics [18][19] - Present in food items like corn, rice, dried/smoked fish, and fresh tomatoes, as shown by studies in Burkina Faso [21] Mitigation Strategies - Reduce exposure by being cautious with street medications and natural aphrodisiacs [23] - Pay attention to pesticides in food and choose cosmetics carefully [23][24] - Be mindful of plastic packaging and food additives [24] - Adopt new behaviors and pass them on to children [25] Other Disruptors - Alcohol, excess sugar and fat, mycotoxins, shisha, and cigarettes (containing approximately 280 different molecules in their smoke) are also disruptors [25]