Research Paper On Estrogens

Lindsay Whittaker
Biology 111
April 15, 2009

Environmental Estrogens

We eat and are exposed to these deadly products every day. They are in the foods we eat and in our environment. These substances have been known to cause disease, cancers and different birth defects. What is this you ask? This synthetic substance can be found in the environment and when absorbed into a person's system, may function in a similar wary to estrogen, the generic term for female sex hormones (Environmental hormones and environmental estrogen 1998). These deadly chemicals are environmental estrogens. Environmental estrogens can be emitted from pollution, fertilizers, and many synthetic substances which are used by humans. Examples of these sources
Over the last ten years, scientists and researchers have become very concerned about what environmental estrogens do to wildlife and human populations. There have been approximately 50 environmental estrogens defined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institute of Health (NIH). Environmental estrogens are harmful for the environment and to humans alike. Wildlife, along with the human population is affected by environmental estrogens. Fish are affected by estrogens contained in DDT, a frequently used pesticide, and PCB’s, Polychlorinated Biphenyls. Scientific studies conducted on small animals such as frogs, produced bizarre defects such as additional extremities and the absence of eyes. (Cody 1998). Some species of frogs have also been noted to be becoming extinct because of these harmful chemicals filling the environment. A large amount of environmental estrogens exist in some of our nation’s rivers
Along with disrupting human reproductive systems, environmental estrogens can also cause some cancers and other disorders. Environmental estrogens are also known to act at very low concentrations (Environmental Estrogens Act at Very Low Concentrations [updated in 2004]). They can cause major changes in endocrine organs and disrupting the nervous system and chemical messengers. In women, environmental estrogens have caused breast cancer and in men, a low sperm count (Environmental hormones and environmental estrogen 1998). Endometriosis is a common disorder which is now thought to be caused by environmental estrogens. This disease, experienced by women commonly disrupts the fertility process by attacking the reproductive organs. Breast cancer is another disease in women that environmental estrogens are thought to play a part in. Like many diseases, the frequency of breast cancer has increase dramatically since the 1950’s. In males, a reduction in the amount of sperm produced is thought to be a result of exposure to these chemicals as well. Also, testicular cancer in males has increased. A new discovery also revealed that additives such as preservatives, coloring and flavorings added to food may also alter hormones. Although there is no clear way to avoid the ingestion of these harmful substances, some precautions can be taken as well. Avoid the use of pesticides