There are some 800 known endocrine disrupting substances – from pesticides and pharmaceuticals to flame retardants and plasticizers. What they have in common is an ability to disrupt the hormone system in humans and animals, leading to problems like cognitive impairment, fertility declines, diabetes, and cancer.
DDT and PCBs were among the earliest recognized endocrine disrupting chemicals. They’ve been banned in the U.S., but less persistent endocrine disrupters – such as phthalates and BPA – are in everything from carpeting to canned food.
A joint report by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Environment Programme recently highlighted that endocrine-related diseases and disorders are on the rise globally, and urged policymakers to take the steps needed to tackle the threat. Sixteen scientists from 10 nations contributed.
Thomas Zoeller is a professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a report co-author.
“We need to have a clear recognition that the regulatory agency should treat endocrine disrupters – chemicals that act on endocrine systems – differently from the traditional approach. And that traditional approach simply isn’t working for EDCs.”
Fetuses, babies, and young children were identified as the most vulnerable, with the report recommending bans or restrictions to reduce early exposure. They also called for more research into associations between endocrine disrupting chemicals and specific diseases and disorders, as well as precaution when introducing new chemicals.
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Web Links
Global assessment of the state-of-the-science of endocrine disruptors
http://www.who.int/ipcs/publications/new_issues/endocrine_disruptors/en/
UN, WHO panel calls hormone-disrupting chemicals a ‘global threat’
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/news/2013/who-report
Photo, taken on May 3, 2009, courtesy of Steven Depolo via Flickr.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio. Support for Earth Wise comes from the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY, with partial support from the Field Day Foundation.