Environmental Working Group, an environmental health advocacy organization has released a list of 12 of the worst hormone-disrupting chemicals. These chemicals affects, mimics or interfere with the actions of hormones in the human body.

· Bisphenol A (BPA): Found commonly in plastics. Health problems include obesity, early puberty and miscarriage.

· Dioxin: Found in animal fatty tissue. It is linked to lower sperm count and other reproductive system effects. Chronic exposure to dioxins has been linked to immunological problems and cancer.

· Atrazine: Could cause tumors, delayed puberty and prostate inflammation.

· Phthalates: found in detergents, plastic clothes, raincoats and personal care products, such as soaps, shampoos and nail polishes. Can affect the human reproductive system.

· Perchlorate: found in many produce and milk products. Affects the ability of the thyroid gland to make hormones.

· Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) or Fire retardants: disrupt thyroid activity, and lowers IQ.

· Lead: linked to brain damage, lower IQ, hearing loss and nervous system problems and lowers sex hormone level.

· Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs): found in no-stick cookware. linked to lower sperm quality, low birth weight and thyroid disease.

· Mercury: primarily found in fishes and seafood. Interferes with fetal brain development, woman’s ovulation, and can damage insulin producing cells in the pancreas.

· Arsenic: Enters through pesticides. Increases risks of bladder, lung and skin cancers.

· Organophosphate Pesticides: Affects brain development, behavior, fertility, and testosterone levels.

· Glycol ethers: Used as solvents in paints and cleaning products; lowers sperm count, aggravates asthma and allergies in children

WHAT DO YOU DO?

· Buying organic produce.

· Avoid meat and seafood – which tend to accumulate these chemicals. Eat more vegetables and fruits.

· If you have to, consume only low mercury fishes.

· Use a filter (like reverse osmosis) for drinking water.

· Avoid food contact with Plastics. Use ceramic, glass or stainless steel instead.

· avoid plastic food containers and plastic wrap made from PVC

· Avoid Personal care products that list “fragrance” as an ingredient

· Consume enough iodine in the diet to reduce the effects of Perchlorate

· Avoid products with the ingredients 2-butoxyethanol (EGBE) and methoxydiglycol (DEGME)

Source: http://www.ewg.org/, Livescience, Other