Toxins and Reproductive Health: Protecting Fertility and Future Generations

How Environmental Toxins Impact Fertility and Hormonal Balance

Exposure to toxins can be a common but unnecessary occurrence. Avoiding toxins during preconception, pregnancy, and after birth is an important consideration in order to protect yourself and your child from health disorders or imbalances and increase your ability to conceive.

Everything from reproduction to metabolism relies on hormone health. Endocrine disruptors are dangerous hormone-altering toxins that the public is routinely exposed to—but most simply aren't aware. Studies show that exposure to bisphenol-A (BPAs), dioxins, PCBs, mercury, and other chemicals negatively affect fertility, pregnancy, and babies. BPAs are found in can liners, plastic products, and coated on paper receipts. Dioxins and furans are toxic chemicals (including some polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)) that are found in very small amounts in the environment, including air, water, soil, and our food supply. Mercury is a neurotoxin found in all fish due to pollution, with some waters more highly polluted than others.

We encourage women trying to conceive or currently pregnant to take steps to lessen their exposure to some of the most common offenders listed below.

1. Foods

Avoid non-organic and GMO foods, as well as artificial food additives and dyes like Red #40, Yellow #5, and Blue #1, which have been linked to behavioral issues, hormonal disruption, and inflammation. Processed foods often contain preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and other chemical additives that may interfere with hormone function. Large fish such as Shark, Swordfish, Marlin, and Tuna also contain high levels of mercury, which can be harmful to reproductive health.

Alternative: Eat organic food whenever possible. Choose only organically produced meat, poultry, and dairy products, and opt for grass-fed, hormone-free, and pasture-raised options. Check out the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Guide to Pesticides in Produce to find veggies and fruits that are low in pesticides. For seafood, choose deep-sea, short-lived, small fish such as mackerel, sardines, wild Pacific salmon, and halibut.

2. Cookware

Avoid non-stick cookware such as Teflon, which can release perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a toxic chemical linked to developmental harm, endocrine disruption, liver damage, and certain cancers. The high heat of cooking can cause Teflon to break down and release these chemicals into your food, potentially harming both adults and children.

Alternative: Use only stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic cookware. These materials do not leach chemicals and are highly durable, ensuring safer cooking. Stainless steel is non-reactive, while cast iron is naturally non-stick when seasoned, and ceramic options are free of harmful chemicals like PTFE (Teflon). For better health and longevity of your cookware, always follow manufacturer instructions on seasoning and maintaining these types.

3. Canned Food

Avoid canned foods as metal cans are often lined with the endocrine-disrupting chemical BPA (bisphenol A). BPA is linked to a variety of health issues, including fertility problems, birth defects, and certain types of cancers. The BPA coating in cans can leach into the food, particularly when exposed to heat or acidic ingredients like tomatoes.

Alternative: Opt for fresh or frozen ingredients, which are free from BPA concerns. When canned goods are necessary, choose those packaged in glass containers or those with BPA-free linings. Many brands now offer BPA-free alternatives in cartons or cans lined with safer, plant-based coatings.

4. Plastics

Avoid plastic storage containers, plastic wrap on hot foods, and plastic wrap over food in microwaves, as these often contain BPA and phthalates, both of which are linked to hormone disruption, developmental issues, and increased risk of breast and prostate cancer. The heat can cause plastic to break down, releasing toxic substances into the food and the air.

Alternative: Replace plastic with glass or stainless steel containers for storing food. These materials are not only safer but also help preserve the freshness of your food. If you must use plastic, avoid those marked with recycling codes #3 (polyvinyl chloride or PVC, which may contain BPA) and #7 (other plastics, which may contain phthalates). Look for products made from BPA-free plastic like #1 (PET) or #5 (PP).

5. Receipts

Avoid handling paper receipts from ATMs, grocery stores, or other retail transactions, as these are often coated with BPA, a chemical that can be absorbed through the skin. The heat from receipt printers can cause BPA to transfer onto your hands, and repeated exposure may increase your risk of endocrine disruption, particularly affecting fertility.

Alternative: Decline the receipt when offered or request an emailed version instead. If you do need to handle a paper receipt, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterward to minimize absorption. You can also use gloves when handling receipts to protect your skin from exposure.

6. Household Air Quality

Indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air, particularly due to off-gassing from furniture, paint, and cleaning products, all of which release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals can irritate the respiratory system, contribute to asthma, and disrupt hormones. Long-term exposure can lead to significant health issues, including developmental delays and cancers.

Alternative: Use a high-quality air filter such as the Levoit air purifier, which removes toxins, allergens, and VOCs from the air. To further improve air quality, consider incorporating natural air purifiers like snake plants, peace lilies, or spider plants. These plants help filter out toxins and provide cleaner, fresher air inside your home.

7. Personal Care

Avoid synthetic shampoos, soaps, creams, cosmetics, and perfumes. Many contain parabens, sodium laureth sulfate, mercury (thimerosal), and benzophenones, which can disrupt hormones, reproductive health, and lead to skin irritation or allergic reactions. These chemicals have been linked to developmental delays in children and can accumulate in the body over time.

Alternative: Replace synthetic personal care products with natural, organic alternatives that are free of harmful chemicals. Use products labeled as non-toxic or cruelty-free, and check the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Cosmetic Database to find safer brands. Look for fragrance-free or naturally scented options, as synthetic fragrances often contain hidden toxic chemicals.

8. Cleaning Produce

Pesticides and wax coatings from farming practices remain on fruits and vegetables, even after washing with water alone. These chemicals can be absorbed by the body and accumulate over time, potentially leading to hormonal imbalances, immune system suppression, and developmental harm.

Alternative: Wash all produce thoroughly, ideally soaking it in a baking soda solution (1 teaspoon of baking soda per 2 cups of water) for 10-15 minutes to effectively remove pesticides, wax coatings, and dirt. For non-organic produce, consider using a fruit and vegetable wash that’s free of harmful chemicals. Whenever possible, buy organic produce to reduce pesticide exposure.

9. Household Cleaners

Avoid synthetic and toxic cleaning products, including laundry detergents, air fresheners, and harsh chemical sprays. These products often contain phthalates, formaldehyde, ammonia, and chlorine bleach, all of which are linked to respiratory issues, skin irritation, developmental delays, and endocrine disruption.

Alternative: Replace conventional cleaners with natural, plant-based alternatives that use essential oils and safe ingredients. Brands like Branch Basics offer non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning solutions for all household needs. Choose vinegar, baking soda, and lemon for simple, effective cleaning methods, and avoid air fresheners by using essential oils or diffusers.

10. Dryer Sheets and Fabric Softeners

Avoid dryer sheets and fabric softeners, as their chemical residues linger on clothes and can be absorbed through the skin, causing irritation and hormone disruption. These products often contain phthalates and other toxins that may contribute to asthma, allergies, and long-term health problems.

Alternative: Try wool dryer balls, which reduce static and soften fabrics naturally without the use of chemicals. Alternatively, ditch fabric softeners altogether by switching to vinegar as a natural softener. It works to break down detergent residues and softens clothes without the harmful effects of commercial products.

11. Paints

Avoid exposure to fresh paint, particularly oil-based paints, as they may contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can harm reproductive health, irritate the eyes and skin, and contribute to long-term health issues such as asthma and cancer. VOCs can linger in the air and affect indoor air quality for weeks after the paint has dried.

Alternative: Use only no-VOC or low-VOC paints. These options are safer for your health and the environment, and many are designed for use in nurseries and bedrooms. Brands like Lullaby Paints offer a range of safe, non-toxic paint options that are free from harmful chemicals and dyes.

12. Cellphone Radiation

Both laboratory and real-world tests have shown that cellphone radiation can affect sperm count, sperm movement, structure, and viability, as well as potentially damage DNA. Exposure to radiation from cellphones may contribute to fertility challenges, especially in men, and can disrupt hormonal balance.

Alternative: Since radiation levels decline sharply with distance, keep your phone out of your front pocket and away from your reproductive organs. Carry your phone in your back pocket or a bag. At night, place your phone in airplane mode or keep it away from your bed to minimize radiation exposure while sleeping. Consider using wired headphones instead of Bluetooth earbuds, and if possible, use an EMF-blocking phone case to further reduce radiation exposure.

Finding Balance: The 80/20 Rule

Eliminating all environmental toxins is unrealistic, but mindful choices can significantly reduce exposure. Adopting an 80/20 approach—where you remove 80% of toxins from daily life while allowing some flexibility—can be an effective and sustainable strategy for protecting reproductive health. By making small but intentional swaps, you can support fertility, a healthy pregnancy, and overall well-being for yourself and your future children.

At The Violette House, we are dedicated to supporting reproductive health and protecting future generations by addressing the impact of environmental toxins. Located in Groton, MA, our holistic approach integrates acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle guidance to help you make informed choices that enhance fertility and hormonal balance. By reducing exposure to harmful chemicals and embracing natural alternatives, you can create a healthier environment for yourself and your family.