Everyday Exposures: Understanding Non-Persistent Chemicals and Their Impact on Health

 

Non-persistent chemicals are a group of chemical exposures that metabolize quickly and therefore, are not stored long-term in the body. Non-persistent chemical groups include substances like phenols, phthalates, parabens, or organophosphates. These chemicals are commonly found in things like personal care products, food packaging, cleaning agents, pesticides, or fertilizers. In fact, you can probably look around your house and find many examples of these chemicals, including ‘BPA’ (bisphenol A) in canned food linings or reusable plastic containers, ‘parfum’ in scented candles or air fresheners, methylparaben in lotions or shampoos, ‘DEP’ (diethyl phthalate) in plastic shower curtains or nail polish, and chlorpyrifos on non-organic fruits or vegetables like salad greens or apples from pesticide residues. 

These chemicals are widely used because they are cost-effective, convenient, and enhance product performance. For example, phthalates make plastics flexible, parabens act as preservatives in cosmetics, and extensive pesticide use improves crop yields. Such widespread use increases the likelihood of constant low-level exposure in our daily lives, and may not be necessary. 

Importantly, even though these chemicals degrade or metabolize quickly, non-persistent chemicals can still interfere with our endocrine system during active exposure. The endocrine system regulates hormones, which are crucial for processes like growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Endocrine disruption occurs when chemicals mimic or block natural hormones, leading to imbalances. This can manifest as fertility issues, developmental delays, or even metabolic disorders. If exposure is constant over long periods of time, these frequent disruptions to the endocrine system can affect our long-term health. 

It is especially important to take special care of our endocrine system during vulnerable periods like pregnancy, infancy, and childhood, when it is susceptible to environmental changes. In fact, previous studies have shown that exposure to these substances during pregnancy may change normal fetal growth patterns, further emphasizing the importance of exploring the effects of these non-persistent chemicals. With the help of BiSC participants, we have been able to measure not only fetal growth during pregnancy but also the function of arteries that transport nutrients and oxygen between the mother, the placenta, and the fetus. These measurements help us have a better understanding of how the placenta and fetal growth may be affected by non-persistent chemicals and give us ideas for potential interventions during these vulnerable time periods.

To minimize exposure, consider simple steps like reducing plastic use by opting for glass or stainless-steel containers, choosing fragrance-free or naturally scented (e.g., essential oils) personal care products, and washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly to remove pesticide residues or buying organic when possible. By raising awareness and advancing research in this area, we hope to contribute to better health outcomes for pregnant women and their babies.