What do the failure of clutches of eggs from birds of prey and the inability of killer whales to reproduce have to do with the menstrual cycle?

Elizabeth Salter-Green, co-founder of CHEM Trust, met with BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds to talk about hormone disrupting chemicals, a factor behind the reproductive failures of wildlife which is also linked to disturbances in the human menstrual cycle.

From the time we wake up, to when we go to sleep, we are surrounded by sources of hormone disrupting chemicals: phthalates in toiletries to flame retardants in soft furnishings and bisphenols in can linings. Even in low doses, these can interfere with the human hormone system.

The number of studies on how these chemicals affect the menstrual cycle is scant, as the episode goes on to explore. However, studies that have been done have produced some concerning results.

How can we deal with the fact that as consumers we are surrounded by these harmful chemicals? It should not be the responsibility of the consumer to avoid hormone disrupting chemicals but the role of the regulator to remove them from products. Our co-founder, Elizabeth, concludes the episode highlighting how the EU has the strongest protection in the world from hormone disrupting chemicals. However, even this regulation is currently not sufficient to deal with the extent of the threat they pose to human and environmental health. Find out more about CHEM Trust’s work on improving regulation in the EU and UK.

Find out more about the toxic chemicals used in some sanitary products.

Listen to the episode here.

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