Read this article to stay informed about the growing body of research linking endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) to early puberty and long-term health risks in children.

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Over the past century, the average age of puberty onset in girls has steadily gone down. Two centuries ago, the average age of onset of menarche was around 17. By the 1950s, this dropped to 13 years—and recent studies have suggested it is decreasing further.[1]

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EDCs in everyday products

A study published in Endocrinology identified several EDCs that may influence reproductive development, linking them to the early onset of puberty in girls.[3] 

Natalie Shaw, MD, of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and her team, screened approximately 10,000 environmental compounds and identified musk ambrette, among several other compounds, as agents that could influence reproductive development. Musk ambrette was implicated in particular.

Musk ambrette is a synthetic fragrance used in detergents, perfumes, and other personal care products. The chemical can activate receptors in the brain that control the onset of puberty, such as the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor and the kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R). When these receptors are prematurely stimulated, it can lead to early activation of the reproductive axis, resulting in early puberty. 

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Why children are more vulnerable

1. According to a report from Environment International, EDCs are defined as “exogenous chemical compounds, or their mixtures, that can interfere with any aspect of hormone action.”[4] 
2. These chemicals are present in so many of our personal care products, including detergents, deodorants, cosmetics, packaged food, and even drugs.
3. Children are more susceptible to EDCs due to their higher body surface area relative to volume, resulting in greater air, food, and water consumption per unit of body mass.[5] 
4. Additionally, their detoxification systems and blood-brain barriers are still developing, increasing their vulnerability to bioaccumulation of harmful chemicals. 
5. This can disrupt metabolic programming and lead to long-term health consequences, including hormone dysfunction, obesity, and insulin resistance.
6. Premature puberty is not just an isolated developmental change but is linked to several long-term health risks. The latest report from Frontiers in Pediatrics links early maturation with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, depression, and behavioural dysfunction.[6]
7. Regulatory bodies are beginning to address the risks posed by EDCs. Musk ambrette is now restricted in Europe, and in fact, the FDA has also removed musk ambrette from its "safe" list, but it is still not entirely banned and remains available in some US products.[7]

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Other hidden EDCs

Phthalates

Phthalates can bind to estrogen receptors and exhibit estrogenic activity, contributing to precocious puberty in girls. They also interact with androgen receptors, impairing androgen synthesis and affecting male reproductive development. Additionally, phthalates mimic thyroid hormones, disrupting normal thyroid function.

A recent study using machine learning models has identified key molecular features, such as molecular weight and hydrophobic properties, contributing to the toxic effects of phthalate esters (PAEs). The study found that interactions like hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic forces are crucial in how PAEs interfere with hormone regulation.[8]

PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances)

These substances persist in the environment and accumulate in the human body.[5]

According to a 2023 paper from the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, PFAS exposure has been linked to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), impaired glucose tolerance, and obesity in children.[5]

Bisphenol A (BPA)

Primary exposure occurs through ingestion from BPA-containing food and beverage containers, with additional exposure via skin contact and inhalation.[5]

Although agencies like the FDA consider current BPA exposure levels safe,[5] research from the National Toxicology Program (NTP) and independent studies have linked BPA exposure to developmental and reproductive health issues in children.[9]

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Precautionary measures to share with parents

As research continues to investigate the full impact of these chemicals, Dr. Shaw advises that, “Out of an abundance of caution, it is important for parents to only use personal care products for their children that are federally regulated.”[7]

In order to guide families in minimising their children’s exposure to EDCs, you can advise them on the following [10]:  

1. Choose fragrance-free shampoos, lotions, and cosmetics, and opt for products labelled "phthalate-free" or "BPA-free."
2. Use personal care products with limited ingredients and without synthetic additives.
3. Avoid plastics labelled with recycling codes 3 or 7, use glass or stainless steel for food storage, reduce canned food consumption, and use glass containers instead of plastic for microwave cooking.

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Disclaimer: This story is contributed by Alpana Mohta and is a part of our Global Content Initiative, where we feature selected stories from our Global network which we believe would be most useful and informative to our doctor members.