According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (2015), \"E

Question

According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (2015), "Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that may interfere with the body's endocrine system and produce adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects in both humans and wildlife." They can be found in your food/product packaging, food, toys, cosmetics, and detergents. Research endocrine disruptors, how they disrupt the endocrine system, common products they are found in and the possible complications of them.

Are you surprised by the concept of endocrine disruptors? What are some endocrine disruptors that you are or have been exposed to possibly? Do you think they have had any effect on yours or your family's development and/or health? With more and more chemicals that individuals are exposed to (including food products), do you think this a serious issue and concern for endocrine dysfunction? Why or why not?

Explanation / Answer

Adverse effects :Endocrine disruptors have have the tendency to cause reproductive malfunction in males and females; increased incidence of breast cancer, abnormal growth patterns and neurodevelopmental delays in children, as well as changes in immune function.Humans exposure to these agents occur via ingestion of food, dust and water, via inhalation of gases and particles in the air, and through the skin. They can also be transferred from the pregnant woman to the developing fetus or child through the placenta and breast milk. Pregnant mothers and children are the most vulnerable populations to be affected and the harmful effects may not become evident until later in life. Research points to the increase in susceptibility to non-communicable diseases of these exposed.

possible mechanism:

Some chemicals just act like a natural hormone, making the human body to over-respond to the stimulus

Ex: Increased muscle mass with growth hormone

Responding at inappropriate times

Ex:synthesis of insulin when it is not needed

Other endocrine disruptors block the effects of a hormone from certain receptors

Ex: growth hormones required for normal development).

Some directly stimulate or inhibit the endocrine system and cause overproduction or underproduction of hormone

Ex: over or underactive thyroid gland

phthalates, one class of chemicals typically found in fragrance creams, cleaning products, and laundry detergents, diapers

shatterproof plastic can contain bisphenol-A, commonly called BPA, and flexible vinyl contains phthalates.

Canned foods in which the cans are likely lined with BPA to keep them from corroding.

Chemicals present in coating of nonstick pots and pans. Pesticides used in cultivation, even processed food.

Cosmetics and soaps used in children and adults. Flame retardant chemicals escape from electronics, couches, and baby products and collect in household dust.

So definitely anyone is at great risk of getting exposed to endocrine disruptors and they have the potential to cause all those adverse effects mentioned above. They are indeed a serous threat to human health.

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