The simplest explanation of the endocrine
system is a group of organs distributed throughout the body the send messenger
chemicals (hormones) through the bloodstream to cell receptors (which are sort
of like an antenna) to cause changes. They
have a wide range of functions, need to be balanced, and are critical to our
health. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that the
cell receptors (or the organ) misinterpret, and then act accordingly. This can deplete necessary resources, impair
proper function, or cancel out messages sent by an organ that the body needs.
The chemicals being evaluated are at lower
levels, and the concern is both exposure and cumulative effects. Low levels of
these over time can cause a stress reaction, dampen the response from
overstimulation (an example is Type II Diabetes), or block receptors. Sometimes an endocrine disruptor can stay locked
onto the receptor, effectively removing it as a receiver. And we have little information about the long
term impact of a group of endocrine disrupting chemicals that mimic the same
hormone.
Research continues on impacts, but one part of
the regulatory assessment (and therefore risk) is “opportunity for exposure”. That is why these chemicals are being
targeted for regular monitoring.
If you would like to do some additional
reading, below are several links, from different perspectives to the problem,
for you to look over. There are many more, but these are a great place to
start:
USEPA:
Natural Resources Defense Council:
National Institute of Environmental Health
Science: http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/
Wikipedia:
ED FOR Dummies:
One additional resource to see current and
recent research is Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry: http://www.setac.org/
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