Table of contentsEndocrine Disrupting Chemicals
Presented by the Labour Environmental Alliance Society (LEAS)
The endocrine system is a network of glands that release many different hormones, sometimes in very tiny amounts
EDCs have many names
They have some familiar impacts
The systemic problem
Many studies link EDCs to:
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Orcas – Endangered Species
“If even as little as 15% more of world PCB stocks gets into the oceans, the extinction of marine mammals would be inevitable… The consequence of failing to control PCB releases to oceans will be the extinction of marine mammals and the chemical fouling of ocean fisheries, rendering them unsuitable for use by humans.” - Professor Joseph Cummins, University of Western Ontario
Animal evidence surrounds us
If you eat “high on the food chain” - lots of meat, fish, or dairy products - you and your children are exposed to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals
Many EDCs are bioaccumulative
Among those most exposed
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If you live near an industrial site, an autoshop, or a highway, you are exposed to EDCs.
Every month, the results of new research explain more of the puzzle of how EDCs affect fish, plants and animals, including humans.
Consensus Statement from scientists who study EDCs
The body has three marvelous communication systems
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Hormones are chemical signals
Hormones are released by the glands
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals
Early development is crucial
Known sources of EDCs
EXAMPLE: Tributyltin (TBT)
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EXAMPLE: Di-2-ethylhexyl-phthalate (DEHP)
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EXAMPLE: Nonylphenol (NP)
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EXAMPLE: Benzo(a)pyrene
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In other words, Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals are everywhere
We don’t know what this means
Their impact on humans is not yet known
We are told
Hormone Systems We Know Can Be Affected
The Range of EDCs which harm humans or wildlife
Are There Solutions? Yes!
Swedish Blueprint
Are There Solutions? Yes!
The Precautionary Principle
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Working together for Solutions
Personal Precautions
Further Information
Thank you
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