All Flashcards
Why are endocrine disruptors a concern?
They can cause significant problems in both wildlife and humans, including reproductive and developmental issues.
What is the significance of the endocrine system?
It regulates various bodily functions through hormones, maintaining a delicate balance.
Why is it hard to study endocrine disruption?
Organisms are often exposed to multiple disruptors at once, making it hard to pinpoint the exact cause.
What is 'feminization of fish'?
A condition where male fish develop female traits due to exposure to endocrine disruptors in sewage outflow.
What is 'imposex'?
A condition in mollusks where females develop male characteristics due to endocrine disruptor exposure.
Why are small amounts of endocrine disruptors concerning?
Even small amounts of these chemicals can have significant effects on organisms.
What is biomagnification?
The process where the concentration of toxins increases in organisms at higher trophic levels in a food chain.
Why are plastics a common source of endocrine disruptor exposure?
Many plastics contain chemicals like BPA that can leach into food and water, acting as endocrine disruptors.
What is the role of the thyroid gland?
The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and development.
Why are pesticides a concern?
Pesticides can contain endocrine disruptors that affect wildlife and human health.
What effect does endocrine disruptor exposure have on wildlife?
Unusual growth, reproductive issues, birth defects, and gender imbalances.
What effect does endocrine disruptor exposure have on humans?
Increased risk of certain diseases, reproductive problems, and developmental issues.
What is the effect of perchlorate on the thyroid?
Perchlorate interferes with the thyroid gland's uptake of iodine, disrupting thyroid hormone production.
What is the impact of endocrine disruptors on eggshells?
Endocrine disruptors can weaken eggshells in birds, leading to egg thinning.
What is the effect of endocrine disruptors on male reproductive development?
Increased genetic deformities in males and lowering of sperm count.
What is the effect of sewage outflow on fish?
Can cause male fish to develop female traits (feminization) due to endocrine disruptors.
What is the effect of industrial runoff containing perchlorate?
Can lead to a decline in local frog populations and an increase in thyroid issues in the human population.
How can pesticides containing endocrine disruptors affect top predators?
Biomagnification can lead to reproductive problems, developmental issues, or other health problems in top predators.
What is the effect of BPA in plastics?
BPA can leach into food and water, acting as an endocrine disruptor and affecting human health.
What is the effect of hormone-like effects of phytoestrogens?
Phytoestrogens can disrupt the endocrine system, potentially causing hormonal imbalances.
Why are endocrine disruptors a concern?
They can disrupt the delicate balance of the endocrine system, leading to various health and environmental problems.
How do endocrine disruptors affect wildlife?
They can cause unusual growth, reproductive issues, birth defects, and gender imbalances in wildlife.
How do endocrine disruptors affect humans?
They can increase the risk of certain diseases, reproductive problems, and developmental issues in humans.
What makes studying endocrine disruption challenging?
Organisms are often exposed to multiple disruptors at once, making it hard to pinpoint the exact cause of effects.
Why are even small amounts of endocrine disruptors a concern?
Even small amounts can have significant effects due to the sensitivity of the endocrine system.
Where are common sources of endocrine disruptors?
Plastics, pesticides, personal care products, and food packaging.
What is the role of the endocrine system?
Regulates various bodily functions through the release of hormones.
What are some key hormones?
ACTH, Thyroid hormones, ADH, Insulin, Epinephrine, Testosterone, and Estrogen.
What are the effects of endocrine disruptors on the male reproductive system?
Increased genetic deformities and lowering of sperm count.
What are the effects of endocrine disruptors on hormone-linked cancers?
Higher occurrence of breast and prostate cancer.