This program aims to educate new parents on ways to reduce exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) for themselves and their newborns.
EDCs are substances that interfere with the normal function of your hormones, which regulate everything from breathing and hunger to sleep. These disrupting substances are found in the air, soil, water supply, food sources, personal care products, and manufactured products. The United States EPA lists developmental malformations, interference with reproduction, increased cancer risk, and disturbances in the immune and nervous system function as possible effects of EDCs.
Participants will attend an information session and receive free supplies that are a safer alternative to plastic.
See a summary of this page in Spanish or in Chinese.
The program has closed.
Eligibility
- Pregnant or have a newborn
- All Obstetrics patients at UCSF and ZSFG
Residents of the following zip codes preferred:
- 94102 (Tenderloin)
- 94103 (SOMA)
- 94110 (Mission)
- 94124 (Bayview-Hunters Point)
- 94134 (Visitation Valley)
Participation
- Fill out pre-session and post-session surveys
- Attend an in-person information session or watch the recording
Example kit.
Free Resources
- In-person training led by Sandra Curtis, PhD
- Training video
- FREE sample kit valued at over $50
- NEW - FREE year of Thrive Market membership to shop for healthier products, all supported by the 3Rs—at a discount. More about Thrive Market:
- SNAP EBT is accepted
- Products discounted up to 30% from retail price
- Organic and non-GMO options
- Shipped directly to you
About Your Presenter
Sandra Curtis, PhD, is currently a Principal Investigator and Program Director at the Public Health Institute. In her previous role as Director of Innovative Projects for Plastic Pollution Coalition (PPC), she began investigating behavior change strategies to reduce exposure to the endocrine disrupting chemicals in plastics. She’s been expanding that work to include populations characterized by fast growth and within marginalized communities. In spring 2023, she participated in a two-week course entitled Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: Hazards and Opportunities (ECHO) which focused on the chemical, biological, and societal challenges of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and new opportunities for moving forward.
A speaker on climate, pollution, and health, she’s presented to nurses, healthcare professionals, and at conferences. She mentors BIPOC participants in the Cancer Free Economy’s Emerging Leaders Cohort, supporting and advising them for leadership roles in healthcare. She's credentialed as a Zero Waste Associate and serves as a Commissioner for Zero Waste in the City of Berkeley.
In partnership with the San Francisco Environment Department.
The goal of this program is to educate new parents on ways to reduce exposure to EDCs for themselves and their newborn.
