@The illustration was created in Canva

Hormones. Small but essential messengers in our bodies. They regulate important developmental and metabolic processes, emotions, concentration, and much more. Chemicals that resemble our hormones in shape and structure can often have similar effects to the hormones they imitate. Such endocrine-disrupting chemicals are found in many everyday products and may pose health risks, particularly during pregnancy. The new European LIFE project LIFE MUMs (Minimising Unseen Molecules) supports pregnant people, families and healthcare professionals in recognising and reducing exposure to these substances through science-based information, digital tools and collaboration across Europe.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are part of our everyday lives. They can be found in cosmetics, food packaging, cleaning products, plastics and many other consumer products. Yet many people are unaware that some of these substances may pose health risks, particularly during pregnancy and early childhood.

This is where the new European project LIFE MUMs (Minimising Unseen Molecules) comes in. Nine organisations from Germany, Austria, Poland, Portugal, the Czech Republic, France, Greece and Latvia have joined forces to increase awareness of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and develop practical solutions that help reduce everyday exposure.

At the heart of the project are pregnant people, future parents and families. LIFE MUMs aims to help them identify potential sources of exposure and make informed choices that support healthier living environments.

To achieve this, the project will further develop the CheckED, a digital tool that provides personalised guidance for reducing exposure to harmful chemicals in daily life. At the same time, practical household actions will be tested and evaluated in several European countries. Healthcare professionals, including midwives, gynaecologists, obstetricians and nurses, will also receive training and resources to strengthen environmental health advice during pregnancy and family care.

Beyond research and innovation, LIFE MUMs places a strong emphasis on awareness and empowerment. Through a Europe-wide communication campaign, the project will show that even small changes in everyday habits can make a meaningful difference – for personal health, future generations and the environment.

We are excited to work together with our partners across Europe and look forward to developing innovative approaches that contribute to healthier lives and a less toxic environment.

More information about the project and upcoming activities will be shared regularly through the websites and social media channels of the project partners.

• Arnika (Czech Republic)
• Baltic Environmental Forum Germany
• Baltic Environmental Forum Latvia 
• DetoxED (Poland)  
• EcoCity (Greece)
• Fundacja Kupuj Odpowiedzialnie / Buy Responsibly Foundation (Poland)
• GLOBAL 2000 (Austria)
• ZERO – Associação Sistema Terrestre Sustentável (Portugal)
• WECF France

The project LIFE MUMs is co-funded by the European Union through the LIFE Programme. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.