Recommendations for reducing exposure to endocrine disruptors
As endocrine disruptors (ED) are present in many articles of daily use, it is virtually impossible to avoid them completely. However, it is possible to reduce your exposure by following some straightforward advice.
Food contact materials
Only articles and materials designed for this purpose should come into contact with food. They are generally marked with the food safe» symbol:
- Consult the instructions for use of food contact materials and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Do not exceed the maximum temperatures, powers or cooking times specified by the manufacturer.
- Silicone baking moulds should always be heated, with no contents, at 200°C (or at the maximum recommended temperature) and then rinsed before first use.
- A container should not be used to store highly salted and/or acidic products (e.g. lemons or pickled gherkins) if this is specifically indicated on the packaging or in the instructions for use of the container. For products of this type, a glass container should be used instead.
- Dishes, containers and cooking utensils should be replaced if they are worn, damaged or scratched.
Use of microwave devices
Certain types of plastic or other materials may melt or release chemical substances when heated, especially if they are not suitable for food contact use.
When using microwaves for heating up food, you must therefore follow the rules given below to prevent unwanted substances (including ED) from ending up in food:
- In a microwave oven, only use kitchen utensils marked with a “microwave safe” symbol:
- Food should only be heated up in a microwave oven if it is packaged and labelled accordingly.
- Do not exceed the maximum temperatures, powers or cooking times specified by the manufacturer.
Cosmetic products
Follow the directions for use of each product (e.g. to be rinsed or not, specified period after opening).
- If possible, choose products with a short list of ingredients.
- Vary the brands and products used so as to avoid constant exposure to the same substances.
Sunscreen products
Only some UV filters are approved for use in sunscreens. The list of these substances is regularly updated. Details can be found online at: sunscreens (admin.ch) (available in French/German/Italian).
For optimal protection, the following recommendations should be observed:
- Stay in the shade as much as possible. Exposure to the sun is to be preferred in the morning or late afternoon, so as to avoid the hours of most intense sunlight (11:00–15:00).
- In the sun, wear a hat, sunglasses and suitable clothing.
- Always keep babies and young children dressed and in the shade.
- Use sunscreens offering protection against both UVB and UVA radiation on exposed areas of the body, and choose products marked with the UVA protection
- Sunscreens should always be generously applied and reapplied regularly to maintain effective protection.
Toys
Read labels carefully and ensure that toys bear the CE mark (indicating that they comply with legal requirements concerning safety, health and the environment).
- Follow the instructions for use.
- Purchase toys from trusted retailers or reliable online suppliers.
- Beware of tutorials for “homemade” toys found on the internet or on social media platforms. The products used may contain substances that are not intended for skin contact and may produce toxic effects in children. For example, certain recipes suggest using detergent to make slime, but with prolonged skin contact, certain substances in detergents can cause contact dermatitis. It is therefore recommended that products should always be used for the purpose intended by the manufacturer.
- Follow the manufacturer’s age recommendations, especially for young children who tend to put toys in their mouths.
- Before first use, fabric toys (stuffed animals, dolls) should be washed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Clothing
Wash new clothes before wearing them for the first time. This will remove any residues of substances used in the production process. Some of these substances may be endocrine disruptors and/or allergens.
Indoor pollution
Household items contain numerous chemical substances e.g.:
- plastics,
- adhesives,
- varnishes,
- paints,
- flame retardants.
These substances may pollute our indoor environment either by spreading through the air or being deposited in the form of dust.
To reduce exposure to these substances, it is recommended to proceed as follows:
Ventilation
- Rooms should be regularly and thoroughly aired: for 5–10 minutes, at least two or three times a day.
- Volatile organic compounds can accumulate in indoor air. Concentrations can be considerably reduced by regular airing.
- Higher concentrations of these substances are often released by new furniture, so it is important to air any rooms where furniture has been installed. It is also recommended to furnish a new bedroom a few weeks before a baby arrives, and to air the room regularly in the meantime.
- Exposure to chemicals is higher in newly built or renovated spaces: construction materials such as adhesives and paints contain highly volatile substances that evaporate rapidly during the first 2 to 4 weeks. Rooms need to be well aired after construction or renovation.
Dust
- House dust should be removed frequently: regular cleaning with a damp cloth will help keep dust levels to a minimum.
- Young children are particularly exposed to house dust, as they often play on the floor, crawling and putting things in their mouths. This means it is especially important to remove dust regularly in households with young children.
Chemical products in the home
- When purchasing chemical products such as DIY materials, cleaning products, or paints, pay attention to the information given on the label. The hazard symbols and phrases are particularly important. Detailed information can be found online at: cheminfo.ch (available in French/German/Italian).
- When you buy chemical products for your own use, it is important to read the technical information sheet and to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations (e.g. wearing goggles and/or a mask when indicated).
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
In general, make sure you avoid exposure to chemical products as far as possible during this time.
- Avoid using non-essential products during this special period.
- Follow the advice given by your gynaecologist/obstetrician.
- Further information on the FSVO website Diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding and SECO website Maternity protection at the workplace (both available in French/German/Italian).
Index
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Chemical Products Division
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
Switzerland - 3003 Bern
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
Switzerland - 3003 Bern