What are hormone disruptors?

There is growing concern about chemicals known as hormone disruptors that can leach from some plastics. Hormones are crucial to proper development of our immune, nervous and reproductive systems. Some chemicals have the ability to mimic, block or otherwise interfere with the signals of naturally-occurring hormones throughout the body. These so-called hormone disruptors (also known as "environmental estrogens," endocrine disruptors" or, in a few cases, "estrogen mimics") have affected normal growth, behavior, and reproduction in wildlife. Fetuses and children are most vulnerable to hormone disruption because these systems are still developing in their young bodies. Possible negative effects of hormone disruptors on humans are under investigation. Some scientists suspect that they may be linked to some alarming health trends, including reduced sperm counts and fertility, and increases in breast, testicular, and prostate cancer, and childhood learning disabilities. Also on the rise (and potentially linked to hormone disrupters) are male birth defects such as cryptorchidism (undescended testicles) and hypospadias (in which the urethra's opening grows on the underside of the penis).

Since many chemicals, such as dioxins, phthalates, DDT and other pesticides are widespread environmental contaminants present in most of our bodies, and can affect hormones at minute levels, it's prudent to avoid more exposure whenever possible. Steps include avoiding certain plastics for food packaging and storage (see Products), eating organic foods whenever possible, and reducing your consumption of meat and dairy products, which may accumulate chemical contaminants in fat. For more information on hormone disruptors see The Green Guide #42 and #54/55; or see www.ourstolenfuture.org.