Endocrine Disruptors & Industrial Water Pollutants

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and definitions related to endocrine disruptors and industrial water pollutants.

Endocrine disruptors

Chemicals that can interfere with the endocrine (hormonal) systems of animals.

Methylmercury

A highly toxic form of mercury converted by bacteria in aquatic environments.

Atrazine

A broad-spectrum herbicide that binds to hormone receptors in animals, particularly affecting male frogs.

Heavy metals

Metals like lead, arsenic, and mercury that can contaminate water supplies and disrupt ecosystems.

Carcinogenic

Substances that can cause cancer in living tissue.

Teratogen

A chemical harmful to developing fetuses.

Phthalates

Compounds used in plastic and cosmetic manufacturing that can contaminate water supplies.

Coal ash

A byproduct of coal combustion that can contain harmful heavy metals.

Neurotoxicant

A substance that is toxic to the nervous system.

Glucocorticoid system

A hormone system affected by certain endocrine disruptors like arsenic.