What are ‘endocrine disruptors’ and are they in my cleaning products?

‘Endocrine disruptor’ is a term originally used to refer to certain substances that were found to cause harmful effects in some species of wildlife by interfering with the functioning of their hormones.

It is important to understand whether people could also be affected unintentionally by substances that can interfere with hormone function, but to date no clear evidence has been found to confirm such substances are having any real, harmful effect on our health.

Substances that have been shown to capable of harming people by interfering with hormone function if there were a high enough dose are not used in cleaning products, and would be banned from use by law.

Many substances are being branded as “endocrine disruptors” based on inadequate and inappropriate lab tests.

Contact the UKCPI on ukcpi@ukcpi.org or call 07843 199397.