It's not just baby bottles: Understanding endocrine disruptors in your life

The recent baby bottle debacle over bisphenol A (BPA) is a good time to take a closer look at the class of chemicals it is part of that are known as endocrine disruptors. These compounds are in vast amounts of things we touch, from make-up to insecticides to plastics. And as scientists are able to better study low-dose health affects of these compounds, they are becoming increasingly concerned. Children are believed to be particularly at risk.

The endocrine system

Endocrine disrupting compounds often mimic natural hormones in the body and could possibly affect the system of glands that produces hormones that help control the body's metabolic activity and development. Studies have linked endocrine disruptors to biological problems in animals, raising the question if similar affects could be or are occurring in people.

Researchers are deeply concerned because they already know synthetic hormones can hurt fetuses. More than 50 years ago, pregnant women were given diethylstilbestrol (DES), a synthetic estrogen, to prevent miscarriages.

By the early 1970s, high rates of unusual vaginal cancers in teenage girls were reported that was eventually linked to DES.

While DES no longer was given to pregnant women, the nation didn't stop using synthetic hormones. As scientists study them more carefully, there is evidence that endocrine disruptors may impact reproductive systems - and even possibly contribute to obesity.

If you want to learn more, the state just launched a website for the public to understand endocrine disruptors at http://www.mass.gov/dep/toxics/stypes/ppcpedc.htm.
Another good sources is http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/
and http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/qendoc.asp