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HUMANS HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT: ENDOCRINE-DISRUPTING CHEMICALS
Premature puberty in girls, breast cancer in women, genital defects in male infants, testicular cancer in young men, rapidly falling sperm counts in men - increasingly, scientists are coming to believe that these problems may be caused or exacerbated by endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment.
In the body, endocrine glands secrete hormones that bind to receptors in cells and trigger responses that guide development, growth, reproduction, and behavior. EDCs alter or disrupt endocrine systems by mimicking natural hormones or blocking hormones from doing their job.
EDCs are generally organochlorines, which are organic compounds with chlorine attached. They are found in everyday items such as various plastics, solvents, detergents, tin cans, compact discs, baby bottles, paper products, and pesticides. Past examples, including DDT and PCBs, were banned in the United States; however, EDCs can persist in the environment for decades. Additionally, these chemicals bioaccumulate in fat and become progressively more concentrated as one moves up the food chain. Eventually, they are even found in breast milk.
Evidence of the effects of EDCs on wildlife abounds. Research in the Great Lakes has found deformities and embryo mortality in birds and fish caused by exposure to industrial chemicals and pesticides, impaired reproduction and development in fish exposed to pulp and paper mill effluents, abnormal reproduction in snails exposed to antifouling substances used on ship exteriors, and depressed thyroid and immune functions in fish-eating birds. Evidence of EDC effects on humans have yet to be fully explored. While scientists disagree on the degree to which EDCs affect humans, they do agree on the need for further research.
The best strategy for dealing with EDCs is to prevent exposure, which includes preventing their release into the environment. Currently, chemical research tends to focus on acute toxicity and carcinogenesis rather than on cumulative or subtle effects such as endocrine disruption. Stricter chemical regulations could require chemical manufacturers to demonstrate product safety.
In the meantime, you can reduce your own exposure to EDCs by following these simple suggestions:
- Avoid fat.
- Reduce consumption of meat and dairy products.
- Choose unbleached paper products.
- Do not microwave food in plastic containers or plastic wrap.
- Avoid plastic cling wrap and minimize its direct contact with food - especially fatty foods.
- Peel fruits and vegetables, especially if they\'re waxed, or wash them in a mild solution of dish detergent or diluted vinegar.
- Use natural maintenance methods for lawn and garden.
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GENERAL HEALTH
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