Disrupting the Endocrine-ness

Many of us are familiar with environmental pollutants such as carbon compounds that have been attributed to climate change and heavy metals like mercury and arsenic. But another interesting class of dangerous pollutants are the hormone-mimicking endocrine disruptors. These compounds likely cause detrimental health effects on wildlife, and also possibly on humans. One major concern is the potential for adverse reproductive and development effects after exposure to endocrine disruptors. Despite the known release of many types of endocrine disruptors into the environment, very little is known about the impact these compounds have, particularly with respect to human health.

And unless you're interested in the specifics of the various endocrine disruptors, you can stop reading here. The remainder of this post is mostly to gather my thoughts and for future reference.

One of the more commonly known endocrine disruptors is Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT). Studies have indicated that DDT may be responsible for improper female reproductive organ development and decreased fertility in males.

Another thoroughly studied endocrine disruptor is the class of compounds called polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). These compounds, manufactured by our very own hometown hero, Monsanto, have been shown to cause several types of cancer. Notably, PCBs increase the risk of skin cancer after contact with the skin. Possible endocrine interference developmental effects include development of childhood obesity and diabetes.

Bisphenol A is a plasticizer that has been linked to a myriad of detrimental health effects. Most disturbingly is the prevalence of these endocrine disruptors in baby bottles.

Very similar in chemical structure to PCBs, Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are another type of endocrine disruptor that have neurotoxic effects very similar to those of PCBs, as well as other developmental disorders.

Phthalates are another type of endocrine disruptor that is used extensively as a plasticizer. Like bisphenol A, phthalates have been shown to cause many developmental defects and birth defects.

I basically compiled this list from the endocrine disruptors that are featured on the Wikipedia page. Cheap of me, I know, but I had to start somewhere. I should note that there are many other endocrine disruptors not included in this list, and that these compounds are not as thoroughly studied. Though this does not mean that they are any less dangerous. But like I said, the above list is mostly for my own personal reference.