Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals - from DC Homes to the Potomac

What are Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals?Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that interfere with an animal’s endocrine system. The endocrine system manages growth and development, so the side effects of exposure to EDCs may include cancer, diabetes, infertility, autoimmune diseases, asthma, and many other serious health issues in humans and other animal species.

What products contain EDCs?EDCs normally come from man-made household and beauty products including detergent, dish soap, facial cleanser, lip balm, and more. Common EDCs include parabens, fragrances, oxybenzone, and others listed on the back of this flyer.

How do EDCs get in the Potomac River?

What can you do about it?Do not purchase and/or use products containing EDCs. In doing so, you can stop the chain reaction shown above.

See list of EDCs to look out for on back.

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EDCs to Look Out for on Product LabelsAll chemicals listed below have been found in the Potomac River

Triclosan Found in: antibacterial soaps, sprays, wipes, and creams What to look for on label: triclosan or triclocarban

4-Nonylphenol Found in: detergent What to look for on label: 4-Nonylphenol, nonylphenol ethoxylates

Benzophenone Found in: lip balm, nail polish, foundation, sunscreen, shampoo, conditioner, hair

spray, and moisturizer What to look for on label: benzophenone, oxybenzone, sulisobenzone or

sulisobenzone sodium

Fragrance/Parfum: Contains a mix of chemicals, some of which are likely EDCs Found in: anything with a scent (sunscreen, shampoo, soap, body mask, deodorant,

lotion, makeup, facial cream, skin toner, serums, exfoliating scrubs, and perfume) What to look for on label: fragrance, parfum, or aroma

To find alternatives without EDCs, check out the Environmental Working Group’s guides to household and cleaning products:

Household cleaners: https://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/Skincare products: https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/

Look for the EWG-verified products that do not contain EDCs.

Key Sources:https://www.dcwater.com/UCMR4https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/https://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/https://potomac.org/blog/2017/9/12/potomac-river-threats-current-futurehttps://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-triclosanhttp://jbox.gmu.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/1920/9867/Arya_gmu_0883E_10965.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=yhttps://iaspub.epa.gov/tdb/pages/contaminant/contaminantOverview.do?contaminantId=10220https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/risk/docs/guidance/gw/octylphenolinfo.pdfhttp://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/benzophenone/https://www.jcaa.org/news/references/usgs%20study%20on%20potomac%20river%20fish%20contaminants.pdf

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