These are my notes on a Huberman podcast episode about pervasive chemicals that contaminate our environment and which we all consume. They affect our health and, potentially, the survival of the human species. You may also be interested in my other note: Health and microplastics.

In this episode, Andrew Huberman interviews Dr. Shauna Swan, an expert on how everyday chemicals affect hormones and reproduction. Her study is what famously got BPA banned from plastics, a study which took 10 years.

Phthalates

• Everyone consumes phthalates. We are exposed to phthalates from plastic food containers, canned food, children's toys, cosmetics, and many other consumer goods.
• Phthalates are endocrine disruptors; they interfere with our hormones (primarily testosterone and estrogen).
  • In adult men, phthalates cause low sperm counts and decreased serum testosterone levels.
  • They affect pregnancies: higher miscarriage rates, defective organ formation, lower birth weights, reduced lung function.
  • They affect childhood development: reduced lung function, messed up metabolism.
  • In women: earlier puberty and menopause.
  • In boys: less male-typical boy play, disrupted genital development.
• Phthalates are used as:
  • Plasticizers; they are added to plastics to increase their flexibility, transparency, and durability.
    • Plasticizers are not chemically bound to the plastic, so they leach out, especially when heated.
  • Fragrance carriers. Most scented products contain phthalates. They also help hold color.
  • Added to fertilizers and pesticides to increase absorption.
• Bisphenols (BPAs, BPS, BPF) have similar concerns.
  • These are the "evil twins" of phthalates: phthalates make plastic soft, BPA makes plastic hard.
  • BPAs/BPS are also endocrine disruptors, leach into foods, etc. They have similar effects to phthalates.
  • A common source is canned foods.
  • BPA was banned from sippy cups and food containers for young kids, but manufacturers replaced them with BPS and BPF, which are not better.

How to avoid or mitigate phthalates

• Eliminate canned foods, foods packaged in plastic, plastic wrap.
• Eliminate moisture-resistant food wraps.
  • Microwavable popcorn bags are a huge source of endocrine disruptors.
• Never heat food in plastic or stir hot food with plastic utensils.
  • "Microwave safe" plastic means that the plastic won't melt. It doesn't mean it won't leach harmful chemicals.
• Eliminate most of the following products:
  • Most cosmetics: lipstick, colored face products. Phthalates are added to these for color retention.
  • Most scented products, soaps, perfumes, laundry detergents, cleaning products, deodarants. If you can smell it, it is probably affecting your hormones.
  • Most lotions, moisturizers, and sun screens. Phthalates are added to these to increase absorption.
    • Handling receipts, which are made of BPA, after applying these products transmit BPA into your bloodstream. Prefer electronic receipts.
  • Plastic drinking containers or bottles.
    • Bonus: these also a major source of microplastics.
    • Disposable paper cups for hot liquids leach BPS, BPA, microplastics. They need a plastic lining to prevent the paper from absorbing water.
  • Synthetic clothes. Wear natural fibers such as cotton instead.
• Eliminate non-stick pans. They contain PFAS, which are another endocrine disruptors. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" due to how long they stay in the environment and in bodies.
  • Prefer ceramic, stainless steal, cast iron.
• Drink distilled water (preferred) or use reverse-osmosis.
• Shockingly, many medical products are full of hormone disruptors: tubing, IV bags, etc.

Pesticides

• Everyone consumes pesticides. They enter the body through food, air, and skin contact. Metabolized pesticides are found in urine.
• Phthalates are added to pesticides and insecticides to increase absorption into plants and insects.
• Men living near heavy pesticide use were found to have half the sperm motility compared to average.
• Pesticides also contain atrizine, another pervasive chemical linked to reduced sperm count and developmental defects.
  • Famously linked to male frog feminization and turning the frogs gay.

Diet

• Organic foods are treated with fewer pesticides and insecticides.
• Eating broccoli, cauliflower, and other cruciferous vegetables can promote "phase 2 liver detoxification" processes, which help the body break down and excrete toxins like phthalates and other endocrine disruptors.
• Increase dietary fiber. These bind lipophililic molecules, including phthalates, BPAs, BPS, so you excrete them instead of absorbing them.
• Avoid sea salt. They contain microplastics.
• Carbonated water products often contain high PFAS (even in glass).

The big picture

• Global sperm counts are dropping. Dr. Swan did a study showing 50% sperm count decline in the past 50 years.
  • Below a certain sperm level, the probability of conception drops rapidly.
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome is increasing in women.
• Global fertility rates are declining, with some countries are beyond the point of no return.
• There is no cure for developmental defects. They affect you for life. They can also be passed on for up to 7 generations.