Podcast Summary: "What an Oncologist Wants Us to Know About Everyday Chemicals" Post Reports by The Washington Post | Release Date: August 6, 2025
Introduction to the Episode
In this insightful episode of Post Reports, hosts Martine Powers and Elahe Izadi delve into the pervasive presence of everyday chemicals that may influence our health. Focusing on endocrine disruptors, the episode features an expert conversation with Dr. Mikhail Seckeris, an esteemed oncologist and professor at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami.
Understanding Endocrine Disruptors
Elahe Izadi kicks off the discussion by highlighting the alarming discovery of endocrine disruptors in common household items. She shares her concern after encountering a chart on Instagram that listed products like shampoo, floss, and water bottles containing these chemicals.
"Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that can interfere with the complex system that produces and interacts with our hormones,"
[00:02]
Dr. Mikhail Seckeris responds by demystifying the endocrine system, explaining its role in regulating growth, development, reproduction, metabolism, and energy balance through hormone-receptor interactions.
"The endocrine system is really active when we're little and we're growing... As we age, the endocrine system may not have that much activity."
[03:04]
Common Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals
a. Bisphenol A (BPA)
Dr. Seckeris introduces BPA, a chemical used in producing polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. He explains its structural similarity to synthetic estrogen and its prevalence in food and drink containers.
"BPAs can leach into food or drinks from the protective internal epoxy resin coatings of canned foods and from consumer products such as polycarbonate tableware."
[06:06]
b. PFAS (Forever Chemicals)
The conversation moves to PFAS, described as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment. These substances are found in a wide array of products, from cookware to textiles.
"They're known as forever chemicals because once PFAS are created, they persist in the environment because they don't break down like some other chemicals."
[07:10]
Dr. Seckeris references a significant study linking PFAS exposure to cancers like testicular and kidney cancer.
"A famous study near Parkersburg, West Virginia, found a probable link between PFAS exposure and a number of disease categories, including testicular cancer and kidney cancer."
[08:16]
c. Phthalates
Elahe brings up phthalates, another class of endocrine disruptors commonly found in cosmetics and personal care products.
"Phthalates are chemicals used in cosmetics and personal care products that make plastics more durable. They're also known as plasticizers."
[09:07]
Dr. Seckeris elaborates on their use in products like perfumes, shampoos, and nail polishes, highlighting concerns from epidemiological studies linking phthalate exposure to increased cancer risks.
"In a study with more than 46,000 women, permanent hair dye use was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, particularly among Black women."
[11:30]
Assessing the Risk: Epidemiological Evidence vs Lab Studies
A pivotal part of the discussion centers on evaluating the actual risk posed by these chemicals. Dr. Seckeris emphasizes that while laboratory studies indicate potential risks, epidemiological evidence in humans is less definitive.
"The level of evidence about linking these chemical exposures to cancer is really much lower in actual people."
[12:04]
He contrasts the robust data linking alcohol consumption to cancer with the relatively limited evidence regarding endocrine disruptors.
"Alcohol exposure contributed to 5 to 6% of new cancer diagnoses in this country and to 44,000 breast cancer diagnoses per year in the United States."
[14:32]
Practical Steps to Reduce Exposure
a. Kitchen Choices
Elahe inquires about practical changes in the kitchen to minimize exposure to endocrine disruptors.
Dr. Seckeris suggests:
- Switching to Metal or Glass Water Bottles: "I use metal water bottles or I use glass-lined water bottles when I have a drink of water."
[18:06]
- Using Glass Containers for Food Storage: "Instead of using plastic containers for it, I now use glass containers."
He also recommends opting for PFAS-free cookware and utensils to further reduce exposure.
b. Bathroom and Personal Care Products
In addressing bathroom products, Dr. Seckeris advises:
- Choosing Phthalate-Free Products: "Try to buy substances that don't have phthalates in them and sometimes they will actually state that they're phthalate free."
- Avoiding Strong Fragrances: "Avoid things that have strong fragrances... may have DEP in them."
Additionally, checking recycling codes on bottles (avoiding codes three or seven) can help identify and reduce BPA exposure.
"Another thing is that sometimes these endocrine-disrupting chemicals will be in bottles that have a recycle code, three or seven in them, that those may include BPAs or BPA-like substances."
[21:20]
Prioritizing Health Behaviors with Stronger Evidence
Dr. Seckeris emphasizes focusing on lifestyle choices with proven impacts on cancer risk:
- Avoid Smoking:
- "Don't smoke. And if you do smoke, try to stop smoking is responsible for 86% of lung cancer diagnoses."
[22:00]
- Limit Alcohol Intake:
- "Keep alcohol intake to a minimum... limit my intake to no more than one to two drinks per week."
[22:30]
- Wear Sunscreen:
- "Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is responsible for about 6% of cancer cases in men and about 4% of cancer cases in women."
[23:31]
- Moderate Red Meat Consumption:
- "Research has found an association between colorectal cancer and consumption of red meat and processed meat... processed meat has actually been listed as a toxin by international agencies."
[24:44]
He compares the risks, illustrating that while endocrine disruptors are concerning, behaviors like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption have a more substantial and direct link to cancer.
Conclusion: Calibrating Concern and Empowered Choices
Elahe wraps up the episode by expressing newfound understanding and empowerment to make informed choices without succumbing to unnecessary fear.
"I feel more equipped to navigate the world. I feel, like, empowered that I understand a little bit more about what I'm interacting with and how to calibrate my concern appropriately."
[25:53]
Dr. Seckeris reinforces the message by highlighting the importance of balancing awareness with actionable steps focused on high-impact behaviors to reduce cancer risk.
"Everything in moderation. We have to choose our risks, choose our pleasures, and choose our tolerance of risk for developing cancer or heart disease."
[25:31]
This episode of Post Reports adeptly bridges the gap between scientific research and everyday life, providing listeners with practical advice grounded in expert insights. By demystifying complex topics and prioritizing actionable steps, the hosts and their guest empower the audience to make informed decisions about their health amidst the myriad of chemical exposures in modern life.