2023-06-19 08:37:42
The number of allergies has multiplied by 20 in 20 years. To explain this increase, new culprits are emerging: endocrine disruptors. We decipher their role for you.
Dr. Charlotte Tourmente
Written on 06/19/2023
Endocrine disruptors cause contact allergies. —Shutterstock
From June 19 to 24 takes place the world allergy week. With one objective: to raise awareness of the allergic diseasesmore and more frequent.
“Nobody is born allergic but we become allergic by being confronted with an allergenic molecule“, recalls Professor Tennstedt, dermatologist. You can also become allergic, even if you have tolerated the product for several years, even if you don’t know why… And once you become allergic, your skin remains so all your life..”
In recent years, new culprits have been suspected: the endocrine disruptors.
What allergies cause disruptors?
“These chemical substances are known and can influence in the long run the development of the endocrine glands, such as the thyroid – by creating a hyper or hypothyroidism – the ovaries, the testicles, etc.“, details Professor Tennstedt. On the other hand, they can quite often be the cause of allergic contact dermatitis (Editor’s note: skin allergies, caused by contact with the allergen).”
Hundreds of disruptors are implicated in allergies. They are sensitizing because they are composed of allergenic molecules.
“They mainly cause contact allergies, with a eczema the touch,
note le Pr Tennstedt. They can also cause lung allergies (asthma) and allergic rhinitis.”
What endocrine disruptors should you be wary of?
“The most frequent endocrine disruptors are components of plastic materials such as phthalates, bisphenol A, pesticides, preservatives such as triclosan, certain sunscreens, etc.lists Professor Tennstedt.
For the specialist,we must be particularly wary in our daily life of plastics” notably those contained in“utensils, dishes in trays, baby bottles, water bottles, toys…”
An advice : “look at the small triangle with a number ranging from 1 to 7: the 2, 4 and 5 are not a problem, while the 3 and 7 are to be rejected above all.”
Disruptors are slow poisons that work over time. “The interactions between them are poorly known: do their effects potentiate each other? Do they cancel each other out or do they diminish each other? asks Professor Tennstedt. “There are still many unknowns and research on endocrine disruptors is very complicated.”
The presence of endocrine disruptors in the environment could have significant repercussions: “we are seeing a lot more genital malformations than before, mammary (breast) development in boys, severe acne in women aged 25 and 35, which did not exist before”, notes the dermatologist.
How to avoid allergies linked to endocrine disruptors?
“When we know that we are allergic, we must no longer be in contact with the allergen. recommends Professor Tennstedt.
What seems particularly complicated with these substances… A few tips, valid for everyone, nevertheless make it possible to reduce exposure:
· Never leave food in contact with the plastic heat (microwave, sun, etc.). Because it dissolves the disruptors contained in the plastic and they enter the content;
Ideally choose couches plastic-free for children;
Avoid varnish and lacquers;
· Opt for clothes made of natural fibers such as cotton, linen, silk, rather than synthetic fibers;
· Try to choose cosmetics without endocrine disruptors and whose container does not contain them either;
· Beware of essential oils ;
・Choose stoves cast iron or stainless steel and avoid Teflon-coated pans;
· Drink from a glass and use glass containers;
· Prefer products in bulk and not contained in plastic.
Allergies: beware of non-prescription products! — The Mag of Health – France 5
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