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Home arrow Resources arrow What are endocrine disruptors?
What are endocrine disruptors?
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The endocrine system is made up of a large group of glands that regulate functions such as metabolism, growth and development; sexual reproduction and stress responses. It does this by secreting hormones directly into the blood stream to affect target sites throughout the body; every cell has either internal or external receptor sites that slot together like a lock and key system. 

  Endocrine disruptors are synthetic chemicals that are able to mimic these hormones and therefore interrupt the normal functioning and development of the body (NRD, 1998).

 

How are we exposed to endocrine disruptors?

  • Chemicals and pesticides through contaminated water, soil, food or air
  • Cleaning products
  • Cosmetics and perfumes
  • Plastic products including baby’s bottles, drinking bottles, food wrap and containers, toys and plumbing pipes (PVC)
  • Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury.
  • Fire retardants on electrical goods, clothes and furniture
  • Industrial chemicals (Our Stolen Future)

 

Studies have shown endocrine disruptors to cause:

  • Hormone related cancers such as breast, ovarian, prostate and testicular cancers
  • Problems with brain development causing learning and social disabilities.
  • Changes in male and female social role development, boys are engaging in more feminine play and girls more masculine play when exposed to certain chemicals.
  • Decreased immune function making us vulnerable to disease and infection.
  • Children are more susceptible to the effects of endocrine disruptors as they are constantly growing and developing (NRD, 1998)
  • More than 2,000 new chemicals come onto the market every year, these are not tested in most instances for their safety (NRD, 1998).

EKO Building Biology can help you identify sources of endocrine disruptors in your home or and make recommendations for safer alternatives that do not impact your health.

Helpful Links
  • Our Stolen Future , a comprehensive website on the health effects of endocrine disruptors showing up to date research and studies on all the sources and health effects that are listed above.
  • Environment California and Toxic Baby’s Bottles

References

  • NRD (Natural Resources Defences), 1998, online available @ http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/qendoc.aspOur Stolen Future, online available @http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/NewScience/behavior/behav.htm