APES 8.3 Endocrine Distruptors

Endocrine Disruptors

• Definition: Chemicals that mimic hormones or block receptors in cells, impacting hormonal functions.

  • Can cause overstimulation or inhibit cellular responses.

  • Function like puzzle pieces, where receptors that normally accept hormones may also erroneously accept endocrine disruptors.

Mechanism of Action

• Hormone Mimics:

  • Have shapes similar to natural hormones, allowing them to bind to hormone receptors.

  • Can lead to overstimulated responses, causing cells to act as if they are receiving actual hormonal signals.

• Hormone Blockers:

  • Prevent natural hormones from binding to their receptors.

  • Result in inhibited cellular responses, disrupting normal processes.

Suspected Endocrine Disruptors

• Types of Chemicals:

  • Metals

  • Industrial Chemicals

  • Synthetic and naturally occurring hormones

  • Pharmaceutical drugs

  • Pesticides, herbicides, fungicides

  • Personal care products

• Pharmaceutical Drugs:

  • Often designed to modulate hormonal activity, but when released into the environment, they can lead to unintended exposure in humans and wildlife.

Examples of Endocrine Disruptors

• Dioxins

• Nitrogen dioxide

• Phthalates (often found in rubber)

• Flame retardants

• Phenols (a type of alcohol)

• Polycarbonate plastics

• Pesticides

• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (commonly used on farms as fertilizers)

• Phytoestrogens (plant-derived compounds)