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SVTC HOME > HUMAN HEALTH > PRECAUTION > EDCs
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) have been defined as artificial substances, in the environment, that interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine (hormone) system in the body.
The endocrine system plays a critical role in the normal growth, development, reproduction and maintenance of normal physical processes. Even small disturbances in endocrine function may have profound and lasting effects. Furthermore, the potential for greater synergistic from multiple contaminants exists.
While problems have been identified primarily in species exposed to relatively high concentrations of organochlorine pesticides such as: PCBs and dioxins. However, there are over 38,000 chemicals suspected of causing endocrine disruption, including personal pharmaceutical products, flame retardants and pesticides.
There is evidence that domestic animals and wildlife have suffered adverse consequences from exposure to EDCs. Literature reports that there are changes in sex steroids in fish, abnormal reproductive development in alligators, birth defects in Lake Michigan cormorants (large sea birds), among other studies. Through intake of contaminated fish the food chain becomes an important and risky exposure pathway for humans.
Exposure Pathway to EDCs through food chain
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