[LUM#4] Endocrine disruptors: the invisible threat
Living to be 120? The idea is in the air. Unfortunately, that air is becoming increasingly polluted... Among the main obstacles to humanity's oldest dream, we now have to contend with a new scourge: endocrine disruptors.
Fifty years ago, mortality was mainly due to infectious diseases. Now , chronic diseases have taken their place : they are responsible for two out of three deaths today. Cardiovascular diseases, cancers, respiratory diseases, obesity, diabetes, neurological diseases, and reproductive disorders are literally exploding. Why such a surge? For Charles Sultan, the answer is clear: this increase is directly linked to environmental degradation. The main culprits are endocrine disruptors, substances that upset our hormonal balance and have a serious impact on our health.
Pesticides, medicines, food, plastics, cosmetics, water—these chemical compounds are everywhere, or almost everywhere. And Charles Sultan knows all about endocrine disruptors: the professor of pediatric endocrinology at Montpellier University Hospital was among the first to denounce, as early as 2002, the impact of pollution on the development of puberty. "Today, the World Health Organization estimates that endocrine disruptors cause 5 million deaths per year," says the specialist.
In utero exposure
“These substances affect everything, from the nervous system to the glandular system, the liver, fats, immunity, and cancer development,” explains Charles Sultan. “Many chronic diseases that affect quality of life and life expectancy are linked to contamination by endocrine disruptors.” This contamination begins early, very early. Even before birth. The endocrine disruptors to which pregnant women are exposed have a direct impact on the fetus. "Any harm during fetal life will have repercussions for the newborn, child, adolescent, adult, and elderly person. In fact, the majority of chronic diseases originate during fetal life," explains Charles Sultan.
Another major concern is that these endocrine disruptors not only affect the children of women exposed during pregnancy, but can also affect their grandchildren."This is known as a transgenerational effect," says the endocrinologist. He has studied the case of Distilbène, a drug prescribed to women before 1976 to reduce the risk of miscarriage. "We knew that the daughters of women who had taken Distilbène were at greater risk of genital malformations and cancer," explains Charles Sultan, "but we realized that their grandchildren were also at higher risk of suffering from the same disorders!"
Toxic legacy
Endocrine disruptors as a legacy for future generations? "In animals, changes affecting certain genes persist for up to seven generations," explains Charles Sultan. What about humans? According to the specialist, we should not wait for future generations to be born to verify the impact of these substances. "We need to reduce the use of pesticides and chemical pollutants that act as endocrine disruptorsby 100%," advocates Charles Sultan. " We are on the verge of a health scandal that requires political decisions and public awareness."
Protecting future babies
Although endocrine disruptors are everywhere, there are a number of protective measures that can be taken during pregnancy to limit fetal exposure and the risk of disease later in life. Advice from Charles Sultan:
- eating exclusively organic food to reduce pesticide residue consumption;
- ban plastics from the microwave to avoid bisphenol A and phthalates;
- do not carry out painting work;
- ventilate rooms frequently;
- live far away from vineyards and fruit-growing areas to avoid pesticides;
- Avoid tap water in favor of bottled water, which should be consumed within the day.
- avoid colored underwear, as the dyes used may contain toxic substances that can migrate through the skin;
- ban cosmetics and makeup;
- use only household products labeled as organic;
- limit exposure related to daily activities, in particular by systematically showering after swimming to remove chlorine residues
Breathe in, breathe out
48,000 people die each year due to air pollution, which is responsible for 9% of mortality in France, according to a survey published in June 2016 by Santé publique France. Fine particles that penetrate deep into the respiratory system cause numerous diseases. Researchers estimate that pollution can lead to a significant reduction in life expectancy, up to two years in the most polluted cities.
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