Article: Endocrine Disruptors

Created: Jan 03, 2007
Updated: May 30, 2007

Endocrine Disruptors

Endocrine Disruptors

Endocrine disruptors are chemical substances that interfere with hormone function in animal species, affecting the body's ability to regulate functions such as growth, maturation, and development. Chemicals that are known endocrine disruptors include dioxins, PCBs, DDT, and other chemicals found in some insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. Animal species, including humans, are exposed to endocrine disruptors through direct contact with pesticides and other chemicals and through the ingestion of contaminated water, air, and food.

Tags/Keywords

health, environment, exposure, hormone, xenoestrogens, environmental estrogens, semen quality, sperm count, breast cancer, testicular cancer, cryptorchidism, feminization, embryonic development, environmental pharmaceuticals, estrogen mimics, androgen mimics, hormone antagonists, hormone synthesis, hormone metabolism, hormone receptors, environmental health

FEATURED ORGANIZATIONS

The Alva Foundation funds organizations conducting research and/or developing services that address significant risk factors in early childhood development, prenatal through four years of age.

Tn_pinkpills

DES Action USA is the only national organization for all individuals exposed to DES, their families and health care providers.

FEATURED RESOURCES

Atrazine-Induced Hermaphroditism at 0.1 PPB Professor Tyrone Haye's research on frogs that has influenced the use of the pesticide atrazine in the U.S.

Silent Spring
Rachel Carson's seminal work on the environmental effects of DDT.

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Interested in endocrine disruptors and related issues? Find or start a discussion forum here and share your stories with like-minded people

DID YOU KNOW?

Diethylstilbestrol, DES, a well known chemical with estrogenic effects, was administered to pregnant American women for 33 years from 1938 to 1971 as it was believed to prevent miscarriage, which it didn't. Only after DES children were born was it found that many of the mothers who took DES and the children affected by the drug in the womb suffered from many health problems, including infertility.

Photo Sources:
Top Left: Rexaid DDT
Organizations: Bug House, Pills

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Endocrine Disruptors

Endocrine Disruptors

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