Exposure Quiz!
Take this short quiz to learn about potential sources of EDC exposure in your everyday life. Hover over your answer to read about actions you can take to minimize this exposure.
1. Was your area of residence built before 1978?
YES
Your home may contain lead paint, as it was built before federal regulation banned lead paint for consumer usage. Lead is an EDC, and has been shown by various animal and human epidemiological studies to adversely affect reproductive functions (1). But don’t worry, as paint is only of concern if it is chipping, wet, or peeling! Keep your home lead-free by inspecting all painted surfaces for damage, consulting experts before beginning any home renovation, and wiping shoes to remove dust (which may contain lead!) before going into your home (2).
NO
Your home most likely does not contain lead paint, as it was built after lead paint was banned from consumer usage! Lead is an EDC, and has been shown by various animal and human epidemiological studies to adversely affect reproductive functions (1). Keep your home lead-free by consulting experts before beginning any home renovation and, and wiping shoes to remove dust (which may contain lead!) before going into your home (2).
YES
Under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, manufacturers are permitted to use the umbrella term, “fragrance” to describe a combination of ingredients rather than explicitly listing out each individual ingredient in their fragrance formula (3). Consequently, you may be unknowingly exposing yourself to various EDCs! To prevent this from happening, try to utilize the EWG database to replace any products in your routine containing fragrance with unscented, chemical-free products. To learn more about the intricacies of cosmetics regulation, click HERE.
NO
That’s great! It is important to limit use of scented products because manufacturers are permitted to use the umbrella term, “fragrance” to describe a combination of ingredients rather than explicitly listing out each individual ingredient in their fragrance formula, which may unknowingly expose you to various EDCs (3). To ensure that the personal care products in your routine are safe, check the EWG database to see if anything may contain harmful chemicals. To learn more about the intricacies of cosmetics regulation, click HERE.
2. Do you wear perfume or use any scented personal care products?
3. Do you live near an industrial area or in an area with heavy street noise?
YES
Power plants, cigarette smoke, fuel combustion from motor vehicles, and both industrial and agricultural processes can contribute to polluting the air by releasing volatile organic compounds into the environment. This leads to the presence of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the air, especially in industrial areas near busy traffic (4). Limit your exposure to EDCs by increasing ventilation in your indoor spaces and making personal choices to decrease your own contribution to environmental pollution. To read more about environmental exposure to EDCs, click HERE.
NO
You’re in luck! Power plants and industrial processes, typically found in urban areas, can polllute the air by releasing volatile organic compounds into the environment, leading to the presence of EDCs in the air. While you do not live near an industrial area, there may be other environmental sources such as cigarette smoke and fuel combustion from motor vehicles that are exposing you to EDCs (4). Limit your exposure by increasing ventilation in your indoor spaces and making personal choices to decrease your own contribution to environmental pollution. To read more about environmental exposure to EDCs, click HERE.
YES
Plastic containers may contain Bisphenol A (BPA) and a plethora of other EDCs which have been shown to impact reproductive health. When these containers are heated, these chemicals may leach out of the plastic and into the food and drinks that you consume (5). Try to look for BPA-free plastic containers, or opt for glass or stainless steel containers for your future food storage! Click HERE to learn more about how BPA affects your body and HERE to learn about the regulations surrounding BPA.
NO
That’s great! It is important to limit usage of plastic containers because they may contain Bisphenol A (BPA) and a plethora of other EDCs which have been shown to impact reproductive health. When these containers are heated, these chemicals may leach out of the plastic and into the food and drinks that you consume (5). Continue using non-plastic containers like glass or stainless steel to store both your food, as well as any beverages you drink! Click HERE to learn more about how BPA affects your body and HERE to learn about the regulations surrounding BPA.
4. Do you use plastic containers to store or package your food?
5. Do you purchase organic produce?
YES
That’s great! Organic produce is grown without the use of herbicides and pesticides, which may contain endocrine disrupting chemicals that impede reproductive and sexual development (6). But even if your fruits and vegetables are organic, remember to rinse all fresh produce thoroughly before consumption to prevent exposure to any harmful chemicals!
NO
That’s totally fine! Organic produce can be more difficult to access, and is also more expensive. However, non-organic produce may contain residual herbicides or pesticides that can impede reproductive and sexual development in humans due to their endocrine disrupting properties (6). To ensure that your fruits and vegetables are free of these harmful chemicals, rinse all fresh produce thoroughly before consumption!
