Invisible Invaders - Part I: What Microplastics and Endocrine Disruptors Are—and Why They Matter
A three-part series where we will be discussing “Invisible Invaders”.
Every day, without realizing it, we interact with microscopic particles and chemicals that may be silently interfering with our health. Two of the most pervasive threats in this category are microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). While they might sound like niche scientific concerns, their impact reaches into every home, water supply, food chain—and even our bodies.
Recent research from Yale, Stanford, and leaders in environmental health like Dr. Tracey Woodruff reveals just how widespread and harmful these substances can be. In this post, we’ll explore what microplastics and endocrine disruptors are, where they come from, and what they mean for your long-term health.
What are Microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments less than 5 millimeters in size—about the size of a sesame seed or smaller. They originate from two main sources:
Primary microplastics: Manufactured intentionally for use in cosmetics, textiles, and industrial processes (e.g., microbeads in face wash).
Secondary microplastics: Formed when larger plastics break down over time due to sunlight, friction, or environmental exposure.
According to the Yale Office of Sustainability (2021), microplastics have been found in tap water, bottled water, sea salt, seafood, and even human organs and bloodstreams. One startling discovery: microplastics have been detected in human placentas, raising urgent questions about their long-term biological effects.
These particles are not biodegradable and tend to persist in ecosystems for hundreds of years. Worse still, microplastics often serve as carriers for chemical pollutants—including endocrine disruptors.
What are Endocrine Disruptors?
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are substances that interfere with the body's hormonal (endocrine) system. They can mimic, block, or alter natural hormone signals, leading to imbalances and dysfunction in critical processes such as:
Growth and development
Reproduction
Metabolism
Mood regulation
Immune response
Common endocrine disruptors include:
Bisphenol A (BPA) and its substitute BPS
BPA Examples: Plastic Containers and Bottles, Canned Food Linings, Thermal Paper Receipts, Compact Disks (CDs) and DVDs, as well as Dental Materials (some dental sealants and composites).
BPS Examples: “BPA-Free” Thermal Paper Receipts, “BPA-Free” Plastic Containers, Epoxy Coatings and Paints, including Personal Care Products (found in trace amounts in some cosmetics and personal care items due to packaging or formulation residues).
Phthalates, found in Plasticizers and Fragrances
Phthalates help preserve scent and make it last longer on the skin or in the air. Common Products are Perfumes and Colognes, Body sprays, Lotions, Scented candles, Air Fresheners, Shampoos, Conditioners, Soaps, Laundry Detergents, and Fabric Softeners.
PFAS (“forever chemicals” used in non-stick and waterproof materials)
Parabens, used as preservatives in cosmetics and personal care products
Parabens are widely used preservatives found not only in cosmetics but also in many feminine care products. They help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mold, extending product shelf life.
Pesticides like Atrazine
A synthetic herbicide in the Triazine Class. Common uses are for: Corn (its most significant use in the U.S.), Sorghum and sugarcane, Soybeans (in some formulations), Golf courses, Residential lawns (in some herbicide mixes), Sod farms, Weed Control along highways, railroad tracks, and utility lines.
Dr. Tracey Woodruff, PhD, Director of the UCSF Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, emphasizes that even low-dose, long-term exposure to EDCs—especially during pregnancy, infancy, and puberty—can have lasting health consequences. Her research has linked these chemicals to a rise in:
Infertility
Hormone-related cancers
Early puberty
ADHD and neurodevelopmental disorders
Metabolic issues like obesity and insulin resistance (Woodruff, 2023)
How Microplastics and EDCs Are Connected?
Plastics are not just inert materials—they’re full of chemical additives. These include:
Plasticizers like phthalates (to make plastic flexible):
DEHP (Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) :Soft PVC in medical tubing, blood bags, and IV bags, Vinyl flooring, wall coverings, Shower curtains, Car interiors, Plastic toys (especially older ones), Stabilizers like BPA (to harden plastic), and Flame retardants and colorants
DBP (Dibutyl phthalate): Nail polishes (adds flexibility and prevents cracking), Perfumes and other fragranced personal care products, Printing inks and adhesives.
BBP (Benzyl butyl phthalate): Vinyl flooring and synthetic leather, Adhesives and sealants, and Automotive trim.
DIDP and DINP: Wire and cable insulation, Garden hoses, Plastic rainwear and shoes, and Toys (although restricted in many regions).
DEP (Diethyl phthalate): Used primarily in cosmetics and fragrances, Makes scent last longer and blend better with skin, Also found in lotions, deodorants, and shampoos.
Stabilizers like BPA (to harden plastic):
Hard, Clear Plastic Containers: Reusable water bottles (especially older ones), Baby bottles (prior to BPA bans in many countries), Food storage containers, Blender jugs and some kitchenware.
Food and Beverage Can Linings: BPA is used in the epoxy resin coating that lines the inside of metal cans to prevent corrosion and contamination, Canned soups, vegetables, beans, and sodas.
Electronics and Consumer Goods: Electrical housings, laptop and phone casings, CDs and DVDs (polycarbonate plastic).
Personal Care Packaging: Some toothpaste tube linings, cosmetics containers, and jar lids.
Industrial Applications: Water pipes and fittings, Safety glasses, and Lab equipment.
Flame Retardants and Colorants:
PBDEs (Polybrominated diphenyl ethers): Found in: Furniture foam, mattresses, electronics, car interiors (Banned or restricted in many countries due to health risks)
TBBPA (Tetrabromobisphenol A): Found in: Printed circuit boards, electronics casings, Chemically related to BPA.
HBCD (Hexabromocyclododecane): Found in: Insulation, textiles, polystyrene (e.g., in buildings). Persistent in the environment; restricted globally.
Organophosphate Flame Retardants (OPFRs) Found in: Upholstery foam, baby products, car seats. Replaced PBDEs in many uses but also raise toxicity concerns.
Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂): White pigment. Found in: Plastics, paints, sunscreen, toothpaste, food.
Carbon Black: Black pigment. Found in: Electronics casings, tires, printer ink, eyelash extension glue.
Iron Oxides: Red, yellow, brown tones. Found in: Cosmetics, plastics, and coatings.
Phthalocyanine Blue/Green: Bright, durable pigments. Found in: Plastics, inks, automotive coatings.
Azo Dyes: Synthetic organic dyes. Found in: Textiles, plastics, cosmetics (some are carcinogenic and restricted in the EU).
When plastic items degrade into microplastics, these chemicals leach out into the environment and the human body. Microplastics also absorb pollutants from their surroundings, acting like toxic “sponges” that carry harmful substances—including EDCs—into the food chain.
According to the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment (2022), microplastics can cross biological membranes, penetrate tissues, and serve as a delivery vehicle for harmful chemicals. This means they not only pose a risk by themselves but also magnify the effects of endocrine-disrupting substances they carry.
A Functional Medicine Perspective
Functional medicine focuses on root-cause healing, and environmental toxins are increasingly recognized as key contributors to chronic illness. If you’re dealing with hormone issues, unexplained fatigue, brain fog, or inflammatory conditions, it may be time to consider environmental exposure as part of the picture.
Detoxification, when guided safely, can also support your body’s natural ability to eliminate toxins—especially when combined with nutrient-dense foods, clean hydration, movement, and sweat.
Stay tuned for Part II and Part III…
References (APA 7)
Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment. (2022). Understanding microplastics and human health: Our emerging understanding. Stanford University. https://woods.stanford.edu/research/environmental-health/microplastics
Woodruff, T. J. (2023). Environmental exposures and reproductive health. UCSF Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment. https://prhe.ucsf.edu
Yale Office of Sustainability. (2021). Microplastics and human health. Yale University. https://sustainability.yale.edu/news/microplastics-and-human-health
When working with MotherRoot Integrative Wellness, we will develop a personalized plan for your long-term relief.
This information should never substitute medical advice or go against any professional medical recommendations. It is important to seek guidance from qualified healthcare providers for personalized care tailored to your unique health needs. Integrative approaches can enhance well-being, but they should always complement, not replace, traditional medical advice and treatment plans. Listening to your body and consulting with professionals is paramount in maintaining a balanced approach to health and wellness.
