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Wednesday
Dec052007

The Info You Need on Endocrine Disruptors

DateWednesday, December 5, 2007 at 05:35AM

pregnant.jpgOne of the biggest concerns these days for consumers is how to avoid endocrine disruptors. They can be found in a variety of products like plastics, pesticides and detergents. They mimic or block the body’s hormones and disrupt normal functions.

Different sources tell different stories on the safety of certain chemicals that are linked to reproductive or endocrine disorders. Some say they’re safe in small doses while others say no way in any amount. Where can you as a consumer turn for information on endocrine disruptors to help you make the right decisions?

Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC)

The NRDC is looking out for you and has compiled a very comprehensive quick reference including: What is the endocrine system? What is an endocrine disruptor? What are likely routes of exposure to endocrine disruptors? How do we know that endocrine disruptors are dangerous? What can I do to reduce my risk of exposure? and more answers here.

The Endocrine Disruption Exchange (TEDX):

TEDX was founded by Theo Colburn, a former senior scientist of the World Wildlife Federation. At the WWF, Dr. Colburn directed the Wildlife and Contaminants program and, back in the early 1980s, she discovered that many predators in the Great Lakes of North America were suffering from reproductive disorders. Colburn found that the industrial chemicals which were poisoning wildlife, everything from plastics to pesticides, had molecular structures that were similar to the hormone estrogen. Her research linked chemical exposure to endocrine disorders, including diabetes. She has since founded TEDX to bring endocrine disruption resources, research and news to the public at The Endocrine Disruption Exchange.

Further reading:

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