Surveys show that the public suspects that synthetic (manmade) chemicals released into the environment, especially pesticides, have adverse effects on human health and cause disease, including cancer. Environmental groups call for all synthetic environmental chemicals with the potential to cause harm to be phased out or banned, whereas the chemical industry argues that such action must be based on proof of harm. Vociferous cases have been made on both sides, each lacking definitive data.
Yet it is clear that environmental and lifestyle factors are key determinants of human disease - accounting for perhaps 75% of most cancers. New understanding and emerging results are reshaping our thinking, as is the recognition that establishing cause and effect for environmental chemical exposures is a daunting task.
There is growing interest in the possible health threat posed by endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which are substances in our environment, food, and consumer products that interfere with hormone biosynthesis, metabolism, or action resulting in a deviation from normal homeostatic control or reproduction.
Recent years have seen growing concern among scientists and the public at large about endocrine disrupting chemicals that may interfere with the endocrine system and cause harmful effects.
The presence of EDCs in our environment raises concerns because:
- harmful effects have been observed on reproduction, growth and development in some species of wildlife, both aquatic and terrestrial.
- there are increases in some human reproductive disorders and some cancers which could be related to disturbance of the endocrine system.
- and adverse effects from some environmental chemicals known to act on the endocrine system have been observed in laboratory animals.
This has provoked many national and international organisations, as well as scientific and public interest groups, to initiate research programmes, conferences, workshops and expert panels to address and evaluate EDC-related issues.
What are Endocrine Disruptors?Hormones are signalling molecules, which travel through the bloodstream and elicit responses in other parts of the body.
The endocrine system consists of a set of glands (thyroid, gonads, adrenal and pituitary) and the hormones they produce (thyroxine, estrogen, testosterone and adrenaline), which help guide the development, growth, reproduction, and behaviour of animals, including humans.
Common household products - detergents, disinfectants, plastics, and pesticides - contain chemical ingredients that enter the body, disrupt hormones and cause adverse developmental, disease, and reproductive problems. Known as endocrine disruptors, these chemicals, which interact with the endocrine system, wreak havoc in humans and wildlife.
Endocrine disruptors function by: - Mimicking the action of a naturally-produced hormone, such as estrogen or testosterone, thereby setting off similar chemical reactions in the body.
- Blocking hormone receptors in cells, thereby preventing the action of normal hormones.
- Affecting the synthesis, transport, metabolism and excretion of hormones, thus altering the concentrations of natural hormones.
Endocrine disruptors have been linked to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, early puberty, infertility and other reproductive disorders, and childhood and adult cancers.
More than 50 pesticide active ingredients have been identified as endocrine disruptors by the European Union.
What can I do to reduce my risk of exposure? - Buy organic and chemical-free food whenever possible.
- Use organic and chemical-free bodycare and hygiene products.
- Use chemical-free cleaning aids.
- Avoid using pesticides in your home or yard, or on your pet - use baits or traps instead.
- Find out if pesticides are used in your child's school or day care centre and campaign for non-toxic alternatives.
- Avoid heating food in plastic containers, or storing fatty foods in plastic containers or plastic wrap.
- Support efforts to get strong government regulation of and increased research on endocrine disrupting chemicals.