Hormone Disrupting Chemicals

Most Australians are unknowingly exposed to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in their homes — and the health consequences can be profound.

EDCs are chemicals that interfere with hormone function and are commonly found in plastics, pesticides, furniture, personal care products, cleaning agents, and household dust. Exposure is especially concerning during pregnancy, infancy, and adolescence — critical stages when the body is more sensitive to hormonal changes that can affect development and increase the risk of long-term health issues.

Heating food in plastic containers is a major concern. Once plastic has been heated, it can release EDCs such as BPA and phthalates, which leach into food and drinks — and continue to do so even when the container is no longer heated. These chemicals are linked to reproductive disorders, cancer, thyroid dysfunction, obesity, diabetes, and neurodevelopmental delays.

Tip: Next time you order takeaway food, ask the restaurant if they are willing to put your meals in glass or stainless-steel containers that you provide for them. Our family has often done this with the restaurants in Woopi, and they have always accommodated our request.

Research has linked EDC exposure and rising rates of chronic illness, including male and female infertility, prostate disorders, breast cancer, thyroid disease, and learning and behavioural problems. Importantly, even low doses — previously considered harmless — can have permanent and multigenerational effects.

Did you know? A container labelled “microwave safe” simply means it won’t melt or warp in the microwave — it doesn’t mean your food is protected from harmful chemicals. When plastic is heated, it can still release toxins into your food, even if the container stays intact.

With more than 38,000 industrial chemicals in use in Australia, most untested for long-term safety, reducing your exposure at home is essential.
✔ Avoid plastics for food storage and heating
✔ Choose fragrance-free and non-toxic personal care and cleaning products
✔ Eat organic food
✔ Filter drinking water
✔ Minimise dust using a HEPA vacuum

Our homes should support our health — not silently undermine it.

Improving Sleep Naturally

Sleep, along with good nutrition and regular exercise, is one of the three pillars of health. Yet according to a 2018 Parliamentary Inquiry into Sleep Health Awareness in Australia, sleep is often overlooked. The report found that around 40% of Australians experience inadequate sleep—an issue linked to chronic disease, mental health challenges, reduced concentration, higher accident risk, and lost productivity. In fact, in 2016–17 alone, the economic cost of poor sleep in Australia was estimated at a staggering $66.3 billion.

As a Building Biologist, I often see how our home environments can quietly disrupt our sleep. The good news? A few simple, evidence-based adjustments can make a noticeable difference.

1. Reduce EMFs in the Bedroom
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from Wi-Fi routers, mobile phones, smart devices (like baby monitors), and electric clocks can interfere with the body’s natural sleep-wake cycles.
Tip: Switch off Wi-Fi overnight, keep phones out of the bedroom (or on airplane mode), and avoid sleeping near power boards, smart meters or electronic devices.

2. Be Screen-Free Before Bed
Blue light from screens suppresses melatonin, the hormone that helps us fall and stay asleep.
Tip: Power down screens at least an hour before bed. Unwind instead with a book, gentle stretching or mindfulness practices.

3. Watch the Caffeine and Stimulants
Caffeine can stay in your system for up to eight hours—and it’s not just in coffee. It’s also found in black, green, oolong and matcha teas, chocolate, energy drinks and some soft drinks.
Tip: Switch to herbal teas, freshly-squeezed juices or water after midday, and steer clear of hidden caffeine sources in the evening.

4. Make Your Bedroom a Sanctuary
A restful bedroom helps cue your body for sleep.
Tip: Choose calming colours, soft lighting, natural fibres, and keep the space tidy and well-ventilated. Avoid synthetic fragrances or harsh cleaning products.

5. Stick to a Routine
Our bodies thrive on routine. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps regulate your internal clock.
Tip: Add a calming ritual—like journaling, reading or a warm shower—to help signal that it’s time to sleep.

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