Unit 8 APES- 8.3 Endocrine Disruptors & Industrial Water Pollutants

Endocrine Disruptors

chemicals that interfere w/hormonal systems

bind to cellular receptors meant for hormones blocking the hormone from being received or amplifies its effects

Common Source of Endocrine Disruptors

human medications passed through urine & into sewage or flushed down toilet

Endocrine Disruptor- Atrazine

herbicide to control weeds & prevent crop loss

Atrazine Effect Example

binds to receptors of cells in frogs that should convert in male frogs leading to high estrogen in males, low sperm count, & feminization (development of eggs in testes or ovary formation)

Endocrine Disruptor- DDT

insecticide

Endocrine Disruptor- Phthalates

compounds in plastic & cosmetics

Endocrine Disruptor- Lead, arsenic, mercury

heavy metals

Endocrine Disruptor- Mercury

natural in coal (not toxic on its own)

released by: coal combustion, trash incineration, burned medical waste, heating limestone for cement

Methylmercury

mercury that has become toxic in water-> neurotoxicant

Teratogen

chemical harmful to developing fetuses accumulate in fetus brain

Mercury Effect Example

inhibits estrogen & insulin (interferes w/ menstrual cycle & ovulation)

Arsenic

natural element in rock underground that dissolves in drinking water and is worsened by mining

*can be removed w/water filters

Carcinogenic

can cause cancer

Lead

found in paint in old homes, water pipes, and soils contaminated by PM from vehicle exhaust; also released in fly ash of coal combustion

*can be removed w/water filters

Neurotoxicant

damages CNS

Coal Ash

source of mercury, lead, arsenic