Glossary
ACTH
Adrenocorticotropic hormone, produced by the pituitary gland, which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol and other hormones.
Example:
Stress can trigger the release of ACTH, signaling the adrenal glands to prepare the body for a 'fight or flight' response.
ADH (Vasopressin)
Antidiuretic hormone, produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, which helps the kidneys control the amount of water in the body.
Example:
After a long run, your body releases more ADH (Vasopressin) to help conserve water and prevent dehydration.
Biomagnification
The increasing concentration of a substance, such as a toxic chemical, in the tissues of organisms at successively higher levels in a food chain.
Example:
DDT, a persistent pesticide, underwent biomagnification in aquatic food webs, leading to high concentrations in fish-eating birds like ospreys and bald eagles.
Bisphenol A (BPA)
A synthetic organic compound used to make certain plastics and epoxy resins, known to be an endocrine disruptor that can mimic estrogen.
Example:
Many reusable water bottles are now advertised as BPA-free to assure consumers they are not exposed to this potential Bisphenol A (BPA) disruptor.
Dioxins
A group of highly toxic chemical compounds that are byproducts of industrial processes like herbicide production, paper bleaching, and waste incineration, known for their endocrine-disrupting properties.
Example:
Exposure to high levels of Dioxins from industrial pollution can lead to severe health problems, including developmental issues and increased cancer risk.
Egg Thinning
A phenomenon where the eggshells of birds become abnormally thin and fragile, often due to exposure to environmental contaminants like certain pesticides.
Example:
The widespread use of DDT in the mid-20th century led to severe egg thinning in raptor populations, causing significant declines in species like the bald eagle.
Endocrine Disruptors
Chemicals, either natural or man-made, that interfere with the body's endocrine system by mimicking, blocking, or otherwise disrupting the normal function of hormones.
Example:
When a fish is exposed to industrial runoff containing endocrine disruptors, it might develop reproductive abnormalities, such as male fish producing eggs.
Endocrine System
A system of glands that produce and secrete hormones, which are chemical messengers that regulate various bodily functions like metabolism, growth, and reproduction.
Example:
The human endocrine system relies on a delicate balance of hormones to maintain homeostasis, which can be easily upset by environmental pollutants.
Epinephrine & Norepinephrine
Also known as adrenaline and noradrenaline, these hormones are released by the adrenal glands in response to stress, preparing the body for a 'fight or flight' response.
Example:
When startled by a sudden loud noise, your body releases a surge of epinephrine & norepinephrine, causing your heart rate to quicken.
Estrogen
The primary female sex hormone, responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics.
Example:
Some plant-based compounds, known as phytoestrogens, can mimic the effects of natural estrogen in the body, potentially impacting hormonal balance.
Feminization of Fish
A condition where male fish develop female reproductive traits, such as producing eggs or female hormones, due to exposure to estrogen-mimicking endocrine disruptors in aquatic environments.
Example:
Male fish downstream from wastewater treatment plants often exhibit feminization of fish due to pharmaceuticals and other estrogenic compounds in the effluent.
Genetic Deformities (in males)
Abnormalities in the genetic makeup or physical development of male organisms, potentially linked to exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals during critical developmental stages.
Example:
Studies on alligators exposed to pesticide runoff in Florida found an increased incidence of genetic deformities in males, including smaller reproductive organs.
Glands
Ductless organs that produce and secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, forming the core components of the endocrine system.
Example:
The thyroid gland in your neck produces hormones essential for regulating your metabolism and energy levels.
Hormone-Linked Cancers
Cancers whose development or progression is influenced by hormones, and whose risk may be increased by exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Example:
Research suggests a potential link between exposure to certain phthalates and an increased risk of hormone-linked cancers like breast and prostate cancer.
Hormones
Chemical messengers produced by glands and secreted directly into the bloodstream, regulating specific bodily functions and processes.
Example:
Insulin is a crucial hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels in the body, preventing conditions like diabetes.
Imposex
A condition in which female mollusks develop male sexual characteristics, such as a penis and vas deferens, often caused by exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals like tributyltin (TBT).
Example:
Scientists observed widespread imposex in sea snails near shipping lanes, directly linking it to the antifouling paints used on ship hulls.
Insulin
A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates the absorption of glucose from the blood into body cells, thus controlling blood sugar levels.
Example:
People with Type 1 diabetes must inject insulin because their pancreas does not produce enough of this vital hormone.
Lowering of Sperm Count
A reduction in the number of sperm produced by males, a reproductive health concern that has been observed globally and is potentially linked to environmental endocrine disruptors.
Example:
Concerns have been raised about the global trend of lowering of sperm count in human males, with some studies pointing to environmental chemical exposure as a contributing factor.
Perchlorate
An anion that is a byproduct of pharmaceuticals, aerospace, and weaponry, often found in drinking water and known to interfere with thyroid hormone production.
Example:
Contamination of groundwater with Perchlorate from rocket fuel manufacturing sites has raised concerns about its impact on thyroid function in nearby communities.
Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
A group of man-made chemicals used in various products for their water and stain-resistant properties, known as 'forever chemicals' due to their persistence and endocrine-disrupting potential.
Example:
Firefighting foams used at airports have been a significant source of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) contamination in groundwater, affecting local drinking water supplies.
Phthalates
A group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and durable, found in many consumer products and known to be endocrine disruptors.
Example:
Many children's toys and personal care products once contained Phthalates, raising concerns about their potential impact on reproductive development.
Phytoestrogens
Naturally occurring plant compounds that have a chemical structure similar to estrogen and can exert weak estrogen-like effects in the body.
Example:
Soy products contain Phytoestrogens, which are plant compounds that can mimic estrogen and are sometimes consumed for their potential health benefits.
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs)
A class of brominated flame retardants used in various household products, known to be persistent organic pollutants and endocrine disruptors.
Example:
When old furniture containing Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) breaks down, these flame retardants can leach into house dust, leading to human exposure.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
A group of synthetic organic chemicals that were widely used in electrical equipment, coolants, and lubricants, now banned due to their persistence and toxicity as endocrine disruptors.
Example:
Despite being banned decades ago, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) still persist in the environment, accumulating in food chains and posing risks to wildlife and human health.
Testosterone
The primary male sex hormone, responsible for the development of male reproductive tissues and secondary sexual characteristics.
Example:
Exposure to certain endocrine disruptors can interfere with the normal production of testosterone in male wildlife, affecting their reproductive success.
Thyroid Hormones
Hormones produced by the thyroid gland that are crucial for regulating metabolism, growth, and development in the body.
Example:
Insufficient iodine intake can impair the production of thyroid hormones, leading to metabolic slowdown and other health issues.
Triclosan
An antibacterial and antifungal agent found in some consumer products, such as soaps and toothpastes, identified as an endocrine disruptor.
Example:
The use of Triclosan in hand soaps has been restricted in some areas due to concerns about its environmental impact and potential endocrine-disrupting effects.