4.  What is an endocrine disruptor?

It has been suggested that a large number of synthetic and natural chemicals have the potential for biological effects that disrupt normal hormone function. For example, there is concern about the potential of chemicals present in the environment to adversely affect human reproduction.

There are a number of terms that have been applied to these chemicals These include endocrine disrupters, hormonally active agents, environmental estrogens and endocrine modulating substances.

There is considerable controversy surrounding the use of these terms. For instance, some scientists disagree with the use of the term "disrupter". They argue that these chemicals may either over or under modulate the activity of a particular hormone and not necessary "disrupt" the endocrine system. Furthermore, the human health consequences of these chemicals are still not clearly understood and thus some believe it may be premature to attach the term "disrupt" to describe the action of the chemical.

For a more graphical ilustration of the endocrine disruption process, go to the "endocrine disruption" section.

For more information about endocrine disruption go to "science & issues" section.