surrounded by endocrine disruptors
Curious and concerned after reading Kristof’s NY Times op-ed about the apparent link between widespread frog deformities and endocrine disruptors, I decided to learn more about the subject. I quickly discovered TEDX, a nonprofit organization with an educational website on the subject.
From the TEDX site: Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with the communication system of glands, hormones, and cellular receptors that control the body’s internal functions. A relatively unique feature of endocrine disruptors is that they exert their effects at extremely low doses, even when higher doses exhibit no adverse effects. Disorders that have increased in prevalence in recent years such as unusual male gonadal development, infertility, ADHD, autism, intellectual impairment, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and childhood and/or adult cancers are now being linked to prenatal exposure to endocrine disruptors.
My next step is to compile a list of common chemicals classified as endocrine disruptors, and determine their presence in Seattle’s public drinking water. Stay tuned.
Also from the TEDX site: The National Pesticide Information Center at Oregon State University has a phone number for pesticide related questions from the general public: 1-800-858-7378.