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Plasticizers

Meaning

Plasticizers are a group of chemical additives, often phthalates, used to increase the flexibility, transparency, and durability of plastics, but which are of concern in hormonal health because they function as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These ubiquitous compounds can leach into food and the environment, mimicking or interfering with the body’s natural hormone signaling pathways. Clinical awareness of plasticizer exposure is essential for mitigating their potential impact on reproductive and metabolic health.