Our Attitude Towards EDCs
The current attitude towards measuring the toxicity of chemicals is basically quite outdated. What is now considered ‘safe–levels’
of chemical exposure are based on research that has been done on healthy, fully grown adults. The figures are then adjusted depending on the age, sex and size of the subject that new data is required for.
Endocrine disruptors has forced us to change our outlook. Its effects are not linear, therefore the approach of adjusting figures to account for age and sex can’ t be applied to it.
We now know that endocrine disruptors have a marked effect on a developing baby. There are periods during foetal development that they are incredibly sensitive to the tiniest changes in hormone levels.
One of the most worrying dangers is our slow acceptance of the accumulating evidence relating to the prenatal toxic effects of endocrine disruptors.
Dangers of Endocrine Disruptors
The hormonal messaging system that is the backbone of the endocrine system is one that has evolved unhindered for millions of years.
It wasn’ t until recently that foreign synthetic chemicals, the likes of which they have never encountered before, came onto the scene.
Endocrine disruptors are some of the most popular chemicals of the modern era. Bisphenol A and phthalates are two well known
endocrine disruptors that also happen to be high production and high volume man–made chemicals.
In tests they have been shown to act as both oestrogen mimics within living systems and
male hormone blockers (anti–androgen effect). Their possible effects on humans are varied these include:
- Stunted sexual development of males
- Accelerated sexual development in females
- Lowering of sperm counts
- Increased risk of breast cancer
- Increased risk of testicular cancer
- Higher risk of diabetes
- Disrupting thyroid and pancreatic function
They have also been connected to an increased level of non–infectious diseases in children such as asthma, allergies and a number of auto–immune diseases.
It’ s not surprising that research is beginning to open up a world of endocrine related disorders. Our bodies are now hosts to a horde of
foreign toxic particles that are disrupting the delicate internal processes that ensures we function properly.
