Endocrine Disruptors Research Paper

The Controversy behind Endocrine Disruptors Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that can cause an individual’s endocrine, neurological or immune system to not function properly. Many chemicals have been deemed endocrine disruptors but are still used heavily today. They can be seen in things such as, plastics, cosmetics and pesticides among other products. Whether or not the benefits that using certain compounds affords us is worth the damage they can potentially cause is the basis for the ongoing controversy. Endocrine disruptors have the ability to act like hormones already present in the body and can therefore result in overstimulation. They can also block hormones from properly binding and effect how they are produced and maintained. Many problems exist but not many solutions. It is difficult to ban chemicals that are also relied upon for massive consumer products. If chemicals are banned, deciding which ones is also an issue. How does one justify one hazard over another? Thousands of chemicals still need to be tested to determine if they are endocrine disrupters as well. It is a never ending battle (“Endocrine Disruptors”). …show more content…
Charles Broley, a naturalist studying birds, realized that they were displaying irregular dating and nesting behavior. He also noticed they were experiencing a decrease in birth rates, especially among bald eagles. Researched showed that DDT and its metabolites negatively affected male embryos and made bird eggshells thin. According to research discussed in the video Fooling with Nature, baby birds exposed to endocrine disruptors did not develop eyes and alligators experienced shortened penises. Some still argue that if we want to know the real effects in regards to humans, humans should be studied, not animals. Rachel Carsen, the author of Silent Spring discussed these findings leading to a new age environmental movement (Patisaul,