edc2

      In researching unmasking the truth behind endocrine disruptors DiDiego, Eggert, Pruitt, & Larcom, (2005) state that cancers and developmental problems over the past 70 years has led researchers to suspect exposure to endocrine disruptors as the root cause. In addition endocrine disruptors can also contribute to disease and human defects. DiDiego et al., (2005) expresses that many plant and animal species are showing signs of ill health due to exposure of endocrine disrupting chemicals. Moreover there are many different things in the environment that can be affected by endocrine disruptors from water, food, soil, and air. Furthermore researches show how pesticides, bisphenol A, phthalates, lead, mercury, cadmium, and phytoestrogens are some of the few endocrine disrupting chemicals out there (DiDiego et al., 2005). The endocrine disruptors alter all types of environments causing production of life to form types of defects. Additionally DiDiego et al., (2005) addresses that endocrine disruptors work through variety types of mechanisms including binding to hormone receptors to mimic natural hormones, blocking hormone receptors, and altering the production or metabolism of endogenous hormones.

            Researchers show that heavy metals like lead is a common endocrine disruptor and can cause serious health risks. Lead exposure can come from drinking water that has been exposed to dust from lead. DiDiego et al., (2005) states that lead lowers brain metabolism and affects brain development by altering calcium flow, neurotransmitter activity, and the branching of myelination of nerve cells. Researches also discover that lead if exposed to children can alter their attention spans, aggression, poor language skills, and hyperactivity problems. Mercury is an endocrine disruptor and DiDiego et al., (2005) addresses that 60,000 children are born in the United States with neurologic problems that could lead to difficulties in school performance because of methylmercury exposure in utero. Nevertheless woman who are pregnant should stay away from fish, especially canned tuna which is known for having high levels of mercury. Another type of endocrine disruptor is pesticides which are found mostly on plants to keep insects away from destroying them.

            Pesticides include herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and metabolite which are known for causing health problems which could lead to an onset of breast cancer (DiDiego et al., 2005). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found clear measurable levels in foods and fat stores of pesticides. In pursing this further the National Toxicology Program was banned for by the Environmental Protection Agency for using pesticides however there are some that are not banned in 18 countries around the world (DiDiego et al., 2005). There was a type of pesticide called alachlor and atrazine which can alter the communication of testosterone in men. Researchers discovered that men in rural Missouri where pesticides use is high found eight types of pesticides in their urine to semen quality (DiDiego et al., 2005). In addition researchers found sperm concentration and motility related to the levels of alachlor and atrazine. Industrial chemicals are known for having endocrine disruptors and polychlorinated biphenyls is one chemical found in many different environmental settings. DiDiego et al., (2005) explains how polychlorinated biphenyls change the immune system, neurologic, motor delays, and learning problems when exposed during utero process.

            Plastics are also an endocrine disruptor that needs to be consider as a concern. Many people eat food out of plastic containers and plastic holds food for long periods of time. Bisphenol A is found in food containers, bottles, dental sealants, and linings in metal cans (DiDiego et al., 2005). Moreover the effects of bisphenol A is a concern when plastic is heated at high temperatures in microwaves. DiDiego et al., (2005) states some side effects of bisphenol A is reduced sperm production, increased prostate gland weight, accelerated growth, and early puberty in females. Other plastic endocrine disruptors are phthalates and phytoestrogens which both can alter human health. In examining all this research endocrine disruptions need to be researched further by scientists. The more that is discovered by researches the more society is prepared to live healthier lives. The fact that endocrine disruptors are in many environmental settings and a person can be in contact with them with not even realizing it is a scary reality. I believe many companies that have endocrine disruptors within their products need to be removed from the market place. However if companies do not want to remove products then frequent testing and passing safety tests should be done. Lastly, being mindful of what a person is eating and where the food or supplies are comes from is vital in staying one step ahead of endocrine disruptors. 

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