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The endocrine (hormone) system is the body's messenger system, linking different organs and organ systems via chemical signals that tell the body everything from when it is time to grow reproductive organs, to when metabolism should be increased.
Hormones effect the functioning or development of many organ systems via a very delicate collection of feedback loops. When the endocrine system is functioning correctly, glands located throughout the body synthesize hormones and secrete them into the bloodstream. Receptors in the cells of various organs and tissues respond to these chemical messages to regulate sexual development, reproduction, metabolism, the brain and central nervous system, and other bodily functions. Tiny amounts of hormones induce powerful responses (like sexual development); just a few parts per trillion difference in the womb can have huge effects on the developing fetus. If any step in this complex chain is altered in the tiniest way, the ultimate response could be drastically different than intended.
Some chemicals can disrupt the transmission of these messages by blocking the hormone receptors in cells, while others inhibit the ability of different glands to create the hormones in the first place. Other chemicals affect the way that these hormones are stored, transported, and eventually destroyed.
Endocrine disrupters commonly found in food include DDT and its metabolite DDE, PCB's, and DEHP, the insecticide endosulfan and its metabolites, the fungicides vinclozolin, iprodione, and ethylene thiourea, and dioxin.
The EPA plans to screen 15,000 chemicals for endocrine system toxicity by the end of the year 1999. You can follow the progress of this program here.
For more information on endocrine toxicity, check the following references:
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