Endocrine disruptors, those chemical substances capable of interfering with the human hormonal system, are found everywhere. For example, in June 2024, ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety) identified no less than 906 potentially disruptive substances, especially concerning for children. That’s why the Élhée team invites you to discover, in practical terms, how to create the healthiest environment for your child.
CONTENTS:
- What are endocrine disruptors (EDCs) and why should they be avoided?
- As parents, protecting baby from conception
- How to limit babies' exposure to endocrine disruptors?
- The BibROND, made from 100% safe medical-grade silicone
- Additionally, a closer look at PFAS
What are endocrine disruptors (EDCs) and why should they be avoided?
Endocrine disruptors (EDCs) are toxic substances for the hormonal system of both adults and children. Found in many everyday products (toys, cosmetics, packaging, cleaning products…), their accumulation in the body is dangerous over the long term.
Bisphenols A, S, and F, phthalates, parabens, pesticides, and heavy metals are among the most well-known.
Unfortunately, babies and young children are more vulnerable to their effects, due to their developing bodies. This is also true of fetuses throughout the 9 months they spend in their mother's womb.
The risks are numerous: fertility and growth disorders, early or delayed puberty, behavioral issues, immune and metabolic disorders, obesity, and hormone-dependent cancers.
As parents, protecting baby from conception
Pregnancy is a crucial period for your baby’s development and future health. However, during these nine months, and though protected in the womb, the fetus is especially vulnerable, notably to chemical substances.
Why are EDCs dangerous even before birth?
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The placenta is not an impermeable barrier; like nutrients and maternal hormones, which the fetus needs for development, many substances—including EDCs (but also medications, tobacco, alcohol…)—can cross it.
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The fetus's endocrine, nervous, and reproductive systems are still forming. They are therefore particularly sensitive to disruptions and alterations caused by EDCs.
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In the long term, and especially if exposure begins before birth, EDCs increase the risk of developing certain chronic and serious diseases in adulthood.
How to limit babies' exposure to endocrine disruptors?
It’s true—endocrine disruptors are widespread in our daily lives, hard to detect, and almost as hard to avoid. However, a few good habits can significantly reduce young children's exposure. So, throughout pregnancy, breastfeeding, and your baby's first years, stay vigilant.
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Favor unprocessed, natural, and organic food, ideally from your own backyard if possible, or from organic agriculture to avoid pesticides and other food contaminants. When it comes to pregnancy and breastfeeding recipes, as well as homemade baby purees, give yourself the best chance with homemade food and temporarily reduce your consumption of red meat and fatty fish, which are more often contaminated by pollutants.
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Avoid plastic containers whenever possible, and opt for glass, stainless steel, or medical-grade silicone for your food containers and especially for baby bottles.
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Be mindful of food packaging. Avoid reheating food in its packaging since heat (such as from the microwave) promotes the release of harmful substances, such as endocrine disruptors and microplastics.
However, things get even more complicated after baby is born. First, because there are more points of contact with endocrine disruptors; and second, because soon enough, whether in daycare or with a nanny, your baby becomes reliant on others, not just you.
Hidden EDCs in toys and childcare accessories
In France, there are numerous regulations to limit toxic and dangerous compounds in children's toys. However, whistleblowers and health scandals regularly remind us that regulations can’t cover everything. Two precautions are better than one!
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Choose plastic-free toys and accessories, such as those made from untreated or phthalate-free certified wood. Before the first gifts, inform your family and friends, and let them know that while wooden toys tend to be more expensive, they are more durable and help prevent overconsumption risks.
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Check for safety labels on packaging, boxes, or directly on the products you purchase: “BPA Free”, “Phthalate Free”, “OEKO-TEX” or “EN 71” are some of the key ones.
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Generally, avoid highly scented or brightly colored products that may suggest the presence of artificial fragrances or colorants, and thus, the existence of endocrine disruptors.
Note that France strictly regulates the presence of phthalates in toys, changing pads, and other products intended for children. Likewise, the AGEC law (Anti-waste for a circular economy), adopted in 2020, bans BPA in all food containers, baby bottles, and food-related accessories.
The BibROND, made from 100% safe medical-grade silicone
At Élhée, we've always prioritized protecting babies’ health. That's why we offer a range of baby bottles, sippy cups, and nursery accessories made from medical-grade silicone. In addition to being flexible, durable, and soft to the touch, this material is guaranteed free from microplastic migration, parabens, and BPA.
And while the tightening ring on the bottle is made of plastic, the patented BibROND design prevents any contact between it and your baby’s milk.
Safe and with a poetic silhouette honoring the curves of every mother, the Élhée bottle will accompany your child throughout their early years, at every feeding, as an emotional and reassuring reference point for your peace of mind.
Baby care: the importance of transparency
While moms’ cosmetics require careful attention, baby product labels should also be carefully scrutinized to avoid letting unwanted substances slip through.
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Choose organic or natural baby care items, free from parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances. If you don't want to make your own cleansing liniment or need a supplemental option, brands like Joone Paris and Monjour-Care offer gentle, transparently formulated baby care products.
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Limit the use of these products to the bare minimum, always favoring hypoallergenic alternatives. In fact, did you know that newborns do not need daily bathing in the first months? Bathing every two or three days is enough—reducing the use of shampoo and soap.
And for special occasions, treat yourself to a touch of Eau Lactée Élhée to share between mother and child. Free of alcohol, solvents, parabens, phthalates, and silicone, it features gentle notes of white musk, jasmine, and mandarin.
Textiles and clothing: making the right choice for baby’s health
Some chemical products are used in clothing manufacturing. For example, phthalates soften the fabric, formaldehyde makes it wrinkle-resistant, and perfluorinated compounds improve stain and water resistance.
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Opt for clothing made from natural fibers, like organic cotton (with the OEKOTEX label), linen (which wrinkles perfectly), or natural wool (merino, lamb, or alpaca won’t itch 😉).
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Always wash clothes before first use to remove any potential chemical residues. This applies to baby and to yourself! Choose the most ecological, homemade laundry detergent possible, or use Marseille soap flakes, even if over time, it’s not ideal for your machine.
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As with other baby equipment, look for certifications such as OEKO-TEX, just like on the Joli Pois double gauze organic cotton swaddle by Élhée. These guarantees ensure the complete absence of harmful substances.
A healthy home: fresh air, please!
We all know that cleaning products used for floors, bathrooms, or kitchens are mostly made with chemical substances to maximize effectiveness. Yet, even if you don’t use them in the baby’s room, these harmful compounds are volatile and potentially present throughout your house or apartment.
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Ventilate regularly to reduce the concentration of indoor pollutants. Ten minutes a day of airing out—with curtains flapping between the windows—is enough, and adds a poetic touch. This is a recommendation to follow even in winter.❄️
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Use old-fashioned, homemade, or certified eco-friendly cleaning products, like white vinegar and baking soda, whenever possible—they’re effective for almost every cleaning need.
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Reduce or quit using air fresheners—whether sprays, diffusers, or scented candles—since they often contain alkylphenols or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like toluene and benzene that can impact your family’s health.
Additionally, a closer look at PFAS
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are synthetic chemicals that persist in the environment. As such, these “forever pollutants” can have harmful health effects long after their use, notably by weakening the immune system and disrupting babies’ development.
The common point between EDCs and PFAS? Their ability to accumulate in the body and cause long-term disorders. Here’s a summary table:
| Characteristic | Endocrine disruptors (EDCs) | Forever pollutants (PFAS) |
| Main mode of action | Interfere with the hormonal system | Highly persistent in the environment |
| Health effects | Hormonal disorders, fertility issues, neurological development concerns | Weakened immune system, developmental disorders, cancers |
| Sources of exposure | Everyday consumer products (cosmetics, plastics) | Non-stick coatings, firefighting foams, food wrappers |
| Common point | Accumulation in the body, long-term health risks | Accumulation in the environment, persistence |
In the end, to limit children’s exposure to endocrine disruptors and forever pollutants, one solution is to consume as naturally and healthily as possible. Build, for yourself and your baby, a list of trusted brands and for all else, choose simplicity.
And remember, even if it’s impossible to protect your child from everything, with your love, they’ll always be safe.🩷
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