What is EWG?

EWG stands for Environmental Working Group. They are a non-profit group that work to share research about the chemicals in our foods, water, environment, household items and so much more. They also strongly advocate for a healthier environment in Washington. You can find their website at the following link www.ewg.org

To help distinguish between potential harmful products and safe products look for the EWG VERIFIED mark. 

 This verified mark is a reassurance that the product is free from the EWG chemicals of concern and meets strict standards. You can also go to the EWG website and search retailers that carry verified products in the area. 

What is an endocrine disruptor?

Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that can disrupt the endocrine system. They basically act as hormones messing with our natural hormone system and interrupting normal fetal development. 

They can be found in everyday products such as plastic, metal, detergents, food, toys, cosmetics and pesticides.

Some common ones are: BPA, dioxins, perchlorate, PFAS, phthalates, phytoestrogens, PBDE, PCB, and triclosan.

Studies on endocrine disruptors began with work on DES, a manufactured estrogen. DES (diethylstilbestrol) was a drug used between the 1940s through the 1970s to treat women with high-risk pregnancies. Later it was found that children with prenatal exposure to DES had rare vaginal cancer as well as other noncancerous changes in both sons and daughters. It was then banned by the FDA in 1971

References:

2. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/index.cfm. Accessed on July 11, 2020

3.     https://www.cdc.gov/des/consumers/about/history.html. Accessed on July 11, 2020