Endocrine Disruptors

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What are Endocrine Disruptors? - Precautionary PrinciplesJoAnn Guest May 10, 2006 10:00 PDT=====================================================================What are Endocrine Disruptors?PAUL GOETTLICH(rev.5dec03)The Endocrine SystemBioaccumulationWhat Do Chemical Manufacturers Have to Say?Isn't the Government Watching Out For Our Safety?Illustration by K. Born in"Our Stolen Future" p.33http://www.mindfully.org/Pesticide/EDs-PWG-16jun01.htmEndocrine disruptors are man-made synthetic chemicals and naturalphytoestrogens (naturally occurring plant- or fungal metabolite-derivedestrogen) that act on the endocrine systems of humans and animals bymimicking, blocking and/or interfering in some manner withthe "naturalinstructions" of "hormones" to cells.An exogenous* agent that "interferes" with the synthesis,

secretion,transport, binding, action, or elimination of "natural hormones" inthebody which are responsible for the maintenance of homeostasis,reproduction, development, and/or behavior. R.J. Kavlock et alWebster's defines exogenous as something which is introduced from orproduced outside the organism or system; specifically : not"synthesized" within the organism or system.The bodies of animals and humans depend upon a complexly integratedandtimed series of events, of which the delivery of hormones to variousorgans is vital.When the delivery timing and/or amount of a hormone are "upset" theresults can be devastating and permanent.The disruption can take place as an inappropriate quantity or timingofa response to a stimulus; the blocking of hormonal effects in partsofthe body normally sensitive to it; and the stimulation or inhibitionofthe endocrine system that could "produce"

an'inappropriate quantity' of hormones.Any combination of these interferences on the endocrine system canaffect physical development, sex, reproduction, brain development,behavior, temperature regulation and more.The Endocrine SystemThe endocrine system is made up of glands, hormones and "receptors"found in numerous places in the body.It is the link between the nervous system and reproduction,immunity,metabolism and behaviour.Internal secretions are released directly into the circulatorysystem,as well as others that are not released to the bloodstream, affectmetabolism and other body processes.It includes organs such as hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid,parathyroids, thymus, adrenal glands, ovaries, testes, pancreas,paraganglia, suprarenal glands, pineal body, intestines, andspecializedregions of the brain.Endocrine glands are "ductless organs" that "secrete"

specificsubstances- "hormones" that are released directly into the circulatory systemand"influence metabolism" and other body processes.Almost all multicellular animals have two main systems forcontrollingand coordinating internal bodily processes.Compared to the endocrine system, the nervous system responds veryquickly with electrical signals via the nerves to particular organsortissues.The endocrine system is a slower system based on"chemical messengers" —hormones, which can reach various all-inclusivepoints in the body.The two work together to control all bodily functions and processes.Receptors are molecular structures within or on the surface of cellsthat selectively bind with, in this case, hormones.Feedback processes between organs and glands control the productionandlevels that are circulated and "maintain" the homeostasis of thebody.Just a few of

the processes of the endocrine system are:the hypothalamus produces "releasing hormones" that stimulatepituitaryactivity;the pituitary produces trophic hormones (stimulating) that stimulatethyroid, adrenal, gonadal and pancreatic activity;the thyroid produces thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism,growthand development, behaviour and puberty;the adrenal gland produces "corticosteroid hormones" and"catecholamines"to regulate metabolism and behaviour;the pancreas produces insulin and glucagon that regulate blood sugarlevels;the gonads produce sex steroid hormones that regulate development & growth, reproduction, immunity, onset of (androgens and estrogens)puberty and behaviour.In short, this is a nearly "all-inclusive" system that deals withmostbodily functions.Without it, we would not live.Without it functioning within some range of normalcy, we

wouldfunctionrather poorly.It is a vital system.---Creation of EDsThe "creation" of EDs can be intentional and/or a byproduct of"industrial processes" such as the paper and pulpbleaching, "emissions"from steel foundries and motor vehicles, and the "incineration" of"chlorine containing" products such as PVC in incinerators,residentialbackyard barrels, or building fires.The most insidious EDs are "man-made" synthetic chemicals.We are routinely "exposed" to them in most areas of our daily livesathome, work and play.Known and suspected EDs come in products we have been led to believehave been thoroughly tested for the safety of our health and theenvironment.The list includes; health and beauty aids (cosmetics, sunscreens,perfumes, soaps); pharmaceuticals (birth control pills); dentalsealants;

solvents; surfactants;pesticides (Monsanto's Roundup® [1] and many others); and plastics(PVC[2], polystyrene aka Styrofoam®, and others).See the list of chemicals below. "Endocrine disrupting" compoundshave awide range of molecular size, volume, and potency.The potency depends upon the target organ or cell and specific endpoint.---BioaccumulationConcentrations of EDs are magnified through the process ofbioaccumulation up the food chain.Phytoplankton must collect its food from a large amount of waterbecause its required nutrients are in very low concentrations in thewater.EDs accompany the nutrients in the form of synthetic man-madechemicals.At this stage, their concentrations are extremely difficult tomeasure.The chemicals accumulate in the phytoplankton and reach levels thataremuch higher than the

surrounding water.Small fish and zooplankton eat the phytoplankton, furtherconcentratingthe levels of EDs, which are in turn eaten by other animals.This process of increasing "bioaccumulation" is repeated until theconcentrations of EDs in the top predators reach levels high enoughtocause "physical deformities", reductions in fertility, and death.The "accumulations" in the "lipid tissues" of these "animals" at thetop of the food chain can be "millions" of times higher than theconcentration of the water it first came to rest in.In a strange twist on bioaccumulation, Capt. Charles Moore of theAlgalita Marine Research Foundation skimmed the surface of the NorthPacific Gyre using a fine-mesh net device over an area of more than100kilometers.He found six times more "plastic" by weight than naturally occurringzooplankton.Other researchers found that the plastic bits "absorb"

andconcentrate"toxins" such as PCB and DDE up to a million times their levels inambient seawater.Birds are "ingesting" the plastic because they mistake it forzooplankton.Because the plastic is a PCB/DDE "magnet," the animals consuming itaregetting "massive" doses of EDs.[3]Being at the top of the food chain, humans have some of the highestEDsconcentrations.The human fetus and infant are at an even higher level.EDs can cross the placenta into the fetus.They are also fed to the suckling infant via the mother's breastmilk.It should be noted that recent studies have indicated breast-feedingtobe the preferred method, as opposed to formulas.Reduced risk of childhood acute leukemia has been associated withbreastfeeding. [5]---SynergyThe combination of more than one chemical can have the

"synergistic"effect of "increasing" the toxicity many times above that of eachchemical separately.Roundup®, the herbicide by Monsanto, is an excellent example ofsynergy.Its surfactant is more "acutely toxic" than glyphosate and thecombination of the two is yet more toxic.Combinations of two weak environmental estrogens, such as dieldrin,endosulfan, or toxaphene, are 1000 times as potent as eachseparately.In The Dark Existing technology is exceedingly incapable of even aroughassessment of the "health effects" of real world "multiple chemical"exposures, and will it be unable to do so at any time in theforeseeablefuture.The magnitude of variables involved in human chemical exposure on adaily basis is "infinite".ASCI White, the world's largest and most up-to-date computer, is agoodexample of how limited our capacity to understand sets of infinitevariables.In

mid-August of 2001, ASCI White was delivered to Livermore in 28tractor-trailers. It can perform 12.3 trillion calculations asecond, isroughly as powerful as 50,000 desktop computers, and can store 300million books, or six Libraries of Congress. It has 8,192microprocessors linked together by 83 miles of wiring in a room thesizeof two basketball courts.[a] But the point to this example is thatASCIWhite took 15 days (360 hours) to calculate the movements of a mere600atoms for 1-trillionth of a second.The number of variables involved in an infant's exposure totoxicants ismany orders of magnitude [c] higher than the number of atoms thatASCIWhite tracked.There are 6 billion people on Earth, each might possess up of up to153,478 unique genes, about 100 trillion cells, and enough DNA toreachthe Sun and back more than 600.Each year, thousands of "new chemicals" are added to the

existing75,000, many of them work together synergistically, significantly"multiplying" the "toxicity".[a] Bergstein, B. "Livermore Lab Unveils Supercomputer." AP 15aug01ASCI White, the most powerful computer on earth. Science News v.16025aug01 [c] An order of magnitude is an exponential change ofplus-or-minus 1 in the value of a quantity or unit. An increase ofoneorder of magnitude is the same as multiplying a quantity by 10.Example:100 is one order of magnitude larger than 10. [d] Briggs, H. Disputeover number of human genes. BBC 7jul01--Human ExposureWhile a few sources of human exposure to EDs are natural, theoverwhelming majority is from thousands of "manmade synthetic"products.It is inaccurate

to place blame on one chemical since exposure isthrough multiple paths and substances, each contributing to the"cumulative" total.In spite of present regulations being aimed at each chemicalindividually, real world combinations are infinite and have"unpredictable effects".A significant exposure to EDs is from plastic, which is displacingnatural products at an ever-increasing pace.Less than 50 years ago plastic products were considered inferior andpeople lived healthy, productive lives without them.PVC (polyvinyl chloride) probably contributes the greatest exposuretoEDs of all plastics.It is "toxic" during production, use, and when it is disposed of.World production capacity of PVC in 1998 was 27 million tons.It is made into residential and municipal water pipes, toys, foodwrap,clothing, raincoats, shoes, building products such as windows,siding,roofing, flooring, and

medical equipment such as hospital bloodbags, IVbags, tubing and many other devices.Besides containing "phthalates", the creation of "dioxin" during itsmanufacture is unavoidable.The PVC industry readily accepts this ceaseless creation of dioxinas anecessary evil.For decades, PVC industry workers have had the greatest toxicexposurebecause of VCM (vinyl chloride monomer).But as consumers, they add as much exposure to it as the generalpopulation normally receives.Food and bodily contact with PVC is hazardous because of the variousplasticizers and additives utilized in it. BPA (Bisphenol-A) is themostcommon plasticizer in PVC.BPA leaches into liquid and fatty products packaged in it.Flexible PVC products can be more than half plasticizers by weight,butthe constituent chemicals vary between products and manufacturers.Plasticizers account for more than

half the weight of some flexiblePVCproducts. About 95% of phthalates are used in PVC.[10]PVC is generally not recycled. Since a great deal of PVC is disposedofby incineration, dioxin is created again.Ironically, this is called recycling by the plastics industry, andisincluded in official recycling statistics.[11] The incinerated PVCcreates dioxin.Again, industry "readily accepts" the cancers, endocrine systemdysfunction, and environmental pollution because the costs have been"externalized".According to a study by Barry Commoner at Queens College, CUNY,dioxinconcentrations in Inuit mothers' milk are twice the levels observedinsouthern Quebec, even though no significant sources of dioxin arelocated in the Canadian polar territory of Nunavut or within 500kilometers of its boundaries.The alarmingly high rate is due to the "deposition" of air-bornedioxintransported from

distant sources "chiefly located" in the UnitedStates,to a lesser extent in Canada, and marginally in Mexico.Polystyrene is made into "food containers" for meats, fish, cheeses,yogurt, foam and clear clamshell containers, foam and rigid plates,clear bakery containers, packaging "peanuts", foam packaging,audiocassette housings, CD cases, disposable cutlery.Testing has shown that styrene monomer leaches in hot and coldwater,and a 50% ethanol-water mixture.[13]Many cities have banned the use of foamed polystyrene by fast-foodvendors.[14]Oil refining, and the burning coal and oil for energy, all auto andtruck exhaust[15], cigarette smoke[16] create EDs.The use of synthetic lawn chemicals, household cleaners, paints,solvents, waxes, and thousands of commonly used products put people,animals, and the environment into "direct contact" with EDs.Health Effects of Endocrine

DisruptorsA few of the possible health effects include;birth defects;alterations in sexual and functional development[17];neurologic disorders,diabetes mellitus[18],immunologic disorders,[19],[20]early puberty in young girls,[21],[22] cancers: breast,[23],[24]colon, vaginal, endometriosis, cervix, testicular[25],sexual differentiation of the brain and other estrogen targettissues,[26]structural abnormalities of the oviduct, uterus, cervix and vagina,acontributing factor to subfertility,[27]non-Hodgkin's lymphoma,[28],[29], [30]reduced physical stamina,[31]genital birth defects:hypospadias & cryptorchidism,[32]altered anogenital distance in male,[33]reduced sperm counts,[34]and enlargement/reduction of prostate,[35]developmental, behavioral and mental disorders,[36]anger, inattention, decreased mental capacity,learning disabilities,[37] dyslexia,attention

deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),[38]autism,propensity to violence,[39]reduced motor skills,and gross and fine eye-hand coordination.The incidence of all cancers among infants less than one year old,bothsexes, age adjusted, has risen 36% when comparing the years 1976-1984 to1986-1994. The incidence for germ cell cancers in that same grouphasincreased 124%. The increases were lower for older children, butstill,they were increases.ParacelsusWhen 16th century physician Paracelsus wrote, "olely the dosedetermines that a thing is not a poison,"[a] (meaning the higher thedose, the stronger the poison) he was at the edge of science.It is repeated today by most toxicologists.They are unaware that doses as low as one part per trillion, appliedatspecific times in development, can yield countless permanentphysicaland mental abnormalities that may not be

recognized until afterpuberty.Less than half of the 38,000 high production volume chemicals havebeen tested for toxicity.Very few of the 87,000 chemicals in commercial use have been testedatall.And almost none of the more than 3 million registered chemicals havebeen tested.And less than that have been tested in combinations found in oureveryday lives. [c]These toxic chemicals can "mutate" the DNA in our bodies, disturbingthenormal "nucleotide sequence".The body has an emergency response team, enzymes to straighten outthemess made by the environmental toxins.They usually manage to repair the mutated DNA.Then there are times when the DNA cannot be repaired.From this lack of repair, abnormal cells are "proliferated" that canlead to

cancer.--[a] Borzelleca J. Paracelsus: herald of modern toxicology.ToxicologicalSciences, 2000, 53: 2-4. High production volume (HPV) chemicals are those which aremanufactured in or imported into the United States in amounts equaltoor greater than one million pounds per year.[c] Moyers, B., S.Jones. Trade Secrets: A Moyers Report. Televisiondocumentary PBS aired on 26mar01http://www.pbs.org/tradesecrets/transcript.html--MothersAll'>http://www.pbs.org/tradesecrets/transcript.html--MothersAll mothers have had many years of exposures. Many of the chemicalsaccumulate faster than they are cleared and are attracted to thefattycells of the body.When pregnant, these stored toxins

can affect the embryo in a numberofways.It used to be said that the placenta protects the embryo from allharm.While, the placenta is an efficient barrier to bacteria, it does notblock most synthetic chemicals.Some cross the placenta with ease, some are changed into even moretoxicchemicals called metabolites, and others damage the "functioning" oftheplacenta.[a]Dioxin is one toxin that crosses the placenta with ease.It has no commercial value and is extremely toxic, long-lived andubiquitous.PVC, also known as vinyl, is the single largest source of dioxin.Other chlorine-containing products such as paper have some of thesametoxic characteristics.The production and incineration of many materials containingchlorinesuch as polyvinyl chloride (PVC, vinyl) and paper.Its largest source is the incineration of municipal and

medicalwaste,which contains a great deal of chlorine-containing products. The PVC industry has known for decades that dioxin is anunavoidablebyproduct of PVC production.[c]Therefore, it is an intentional action placing profits above people.It is just one of hundreds of contaminants stored in the mother'sfat,is consumed by nursing infants at a rate of 35-100 pg/kg (picogramsperkilogram of body weight per day.A picogram is one-trillionth of a gram). The World HealthOrganization's acceptable daily intake of dioxin is 1-4 pg/kg. TheEPA"Risk Specific Dose" is 0.01 pg/kg,[d] which is 10,000 times lowerthanthat the nursing child receives.--[a] Steingraber, S. Having Faith. Cambridge, MA: Persius Publishing,2001. p.34 US EPA. Exposure and Human Health Reassessment

of2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-Dioxin (TCDD) and Related Compounds.May2000 Draft Final. www.epa.gov/ncea[c] Moyers, B., S.Jones. Trade Secrets: A Moyers Report. Televisiondocumentary PBS aired on 26mar01http://www.pbs.org/tradesecrets/transcript.html[d] Schecter, A. Personal notes from his presentation at thePeople'sDioxin Action Summit, UC Berkeley 10aug00--FathersDioxin is also stored in the father's fatty tissues.Dioxin is what made Agent Orange such a nightmare for Vietnam vetsandtheir offspring.Its legacy continues today in US veterans and Vietnamese citizensdecades after its use.[a] It and many other contaminants can causeproblems related to his sperm that are passed on to the child.Both the quantity and quality

of sperm can be reduced, the DNAcarriedby the sperm can be damaged, the sperm can be coated in toxins, andthesemen entering the vagina can carry the toxicants that are flowingthroughout the body of the father.His own sperm production could have been limited while he was anembryo.Decreasing sperm counts in many industrialized nations are about1.5%annually.[c]--[a] Schecter, A., et al. Recent Dioxin Contamination From AgentOrangein Residents of a Southern Vietnam City Journal of OccupationalMedicine43:5, pp 435-443 May01http://www.mindfully.org/Pesticide/Dioxin-Agent-Orange-S-V.htm Schettler, T., Solomon, G., Valenti, M., and Huddle, A.Generationsat Risk. Cambridge; MIT Press, 1999.[c]

Swan, SH., Elkin, EP., and Fenster, L. The Question of DecliningSperm Density Revisited: An Analysis of 101 Studies Published 1934-1996.(Abstract) Environmental Health Perspectives v.108, n.10, Oct00--Children are at Greater RiskChildren are at greater risk because they play close to the ground,regularly have their hands in their mouths, eyes or noses, and haveunique diets.They absorb more pesticides from their environment than adults andareless able to detoxify and excrete pesticides.They are exposed in their homes, schools, day-care centers, parksandgardens. Approximately 90% of American households use pesticides,purchasing of an estimated 74 million pounds of the pesticides usedin1995.Diet, including drinking water, is a second important source ofchildren's pesticide

exposure.[40]In addition to those sources of EDs, one must consider exposure toplastics, pharmaceuticals, motor vehicle exhausts, shampoos, etc.,andthe synergistic affect of all sources combined.All children, without exception, are exposed to toxic syntheticchemicals before birth and continuing through the rest of theirlives.Much of their time is spent crawling on lawns or carpeting wheretoxinsaccumulate. When children mouth toys, any accumulated toxins areingested.Playing with pets that have been rolling in the neighbor'spesticide-ridden lawn, or are wearing flea collars also transfersthosepesticides directly into the child's body. Because of their size,children are biologically more vulnerable than adults.Proportionately, they receive a larger exposure and are therefore athigher risk.[a]Much of what children eat, drink, breathe, and touch is toxic.Some of this

exposure is avoidable, some is difficult to avoid, andtherest is unavoidable. Normal, everyday consumer products are not atallharmless and should be avoided.A short list to limit a child's exposure to includes; lawn andgardenchemicals, paints, health and beauty products, scented products,glues,solvents, gas and diesel motor vehicle exhaust, plastics, sunlight,various pharmaceuticals, including many methods of birth control,andmore.--[a] Landrigan, PJ, et al. The Unique Vulnerability of Infants andChildren to Pesticides. Environmental Health Perspectives v.107,Supp.3Jun99--Review of a Child's Typical DayInfants sleep in cribs made of plastic, covered with

syntheticsheetsthat are treated with fire-retardant, and washed in harsh detergentscontaining toxic many synthetic chemicals.Sheets are dried at high temperature creating dioxin from thechlorinebleach residue.[a]The mattress cover's flexibility is from plasticizers and it'streatedwith an antibacterial agent. The room's new synthetic carpeting andfreshly painted walls offgass toxins.Snugly fitting disposable diapers contain toxic ingredients suchsodiumpolyacrylates, and ethylvinylacetate-based glues, resins, softeningagents and antioxidants.The lotion their precious bottoms are covered with containsphthalates,which are known to mimic hormones.A fluoride supplement is prescribed if drinking water is from awell.The water itself could be high in nitrates and coliform.[c]Their food has been drenched in a variety of pesticides,

herbicides,andfungicides, then wrapped in plastics, coated with sealants, orcanned.It's heated in, eaten from and eaten with plastic.Warm leftovers are saved in plastic and refrigerated.[d]The health effects of few of the constituent chemicals of plasticsareknown, but their collective effect is completely unknown.The FDA interestingly calls chemicals that migrate from plastic intofood "indirect food additives."Regulations governing the use of plastic in contact with food offeronlylimited protection.[e]While being driven about town, the child sits in a car seat made ofseveral types of plastic in a car that has that new car smell, whichisoff-gassing of plastics.Dry-cleaned clothes, perfume, hand cream, deodorant, hairspray, nailpolish, lipstick, and cigarette smoke are also part the car's air.Driving behind a diesel truck, fine particulate matter

carryingcarcinogens and endocrine disruptors are forced deep into thechild'slungs.They drive through factory fumes to pick up the father, where heworksin PVC or pesticide production. He could be smoking, wearing after-shavelotion, or his clothes carry the residue a toxic chemical that heworkedwith.If he's a dentist, he just finished filling a cavity with mercury.Ifhe does auto body repair, he just finished using paints and plasticfiller.On the way home, they stop off to fill up the car's gas tank and thefumes flow through the open window along with the odor of thedegreaserthe mechanic uses. During the summer ozone levels are high and smogisthick. In the winter, oil, gas, coal, and/or wood combustionbyproductspermeate the air, depending upon the locality.A few years later, when the child goes to school carrying a plasticlunch box on a bus. Diesel

fumes will fill the bus.Even a nonsmoking diesel bus could be exposing the child todangerouslevels of exhaust. A child riding a school bus may be exposed to 23to46 times the cancer risk considered "significant" by EPA and underfederal environmental laws.[f]The air in rural areas will be laced with pesticides, herbicides,fertilizers, dust, diesel fumes, and anything else that drifts outofthe urban areas.Jets fly overhead, sometimes dumping jet fuel at high altitudes,whichvaporizes before reaching the ground.At school, the child will sit at plastic desk, on a synthetic floorcovering, within walls covered with a vinyl material, under vinylcovered ceiling tiles and fluorescent lighting.The school has air conditioning with no fresh air supply, recyclingstagnant air through dusty, damp, mold ridden ducts.The teacher's perfume mixes with the accelerants of the

whiteboardmarkers.Pesticides are used regularly throughout the school, whether neededornot. Many surfaces will be treated with bleach and antibacterialliquids. The halls are filled with the smell of the vinyl flooring.Thegrounds are covered with pesticides herbicides, and syntheticfertilizers that can contain just about any kind of toxic waste.For lunch, the child eats and drinks highly processed, pesticide-ridden,irradiated foods with synthetic preservatives, colorings, and ascore ofunnamed substances whose only purpose is to extend the food's shelflife.The food is often prepared at another location miles away,transportedin plastic, served on, and eaten with plates and utensils made ofpolystyrene.Before eating the child's hands are washed using a soap that isantibacterial/antimicrobial, using chlorinated/fluoridated

water.--[a] Clean Water World Initiative (CWWI ) 2010 Pleasant Hollow Drive,Plainsboro, New Jersey, USA 08536, Tel: 609-716-6716, Fax: 609-716-0041,email: wo-,http://home.hawaii.rr.com/willi/cwwi/ NOTE: Makotoko- is sending the document "A Study of DryCleaning Solvents and Clothing : Source of Dioxin Exposure?" Karlberg, A-T., and Magnusson, K. Rosin components identified indiapers. Contact Dermatitis, 34,

176-180 1996.[c] A well's proximity to any septic fields in the area, the weatherandthe soil type have a direct bearing on the levels of nitrates andcoliform.[d] Consumer Reports. Hormone Mimics (Endocrine Disruptors): They'reinOur Food Should We Worry? Jun98[e] Sheftel, VO., Indirect Food Additives and Polymers: MigrationandToxicology. Boca Raton; CRC Press, 2000.[f] Solomon GM, Campbell TR, Feuer GR, Masters J, Samkian A, PaulKA. NoBreathing in the Aisles also see: Diesel Exhaust Inside SchoolBuses.Natural Resources Defense Council / Coalition for Clean Air Jan01--It's All Quite LegalAll of the things enumerated on the toxic tour of a child's dayshouldbe avoided if possible. Many of the chemicals in pesticides arecommonto plastics, cosmetics, and

paints.Alone, these chemicals can "mimic" the "hormones" of our bodies.Combinations of them can create a synergy, increasing the toxicitybymultiples rather than an additive formula, creating a significantlymorepowerful toxin.Most people assume that products they use daily have been thoroughlytested and are safe. Our deep-seated trust in the safety of theseproducts is misplaced and has allowed the fox to enter the henhouse.There is no pre-market safety testing or approval required under anyfederal law for the hundreds of items infants come in contact withdaily.Industrial trade secrets, allowed by law, keep consumers fromknowingwhat is in most products that are chewed on, sucked on, eaten,breathed,or played with by our children.The industries claim that the secrets protect "commerciallysensitiveinformation."[a]Realization of these facts is crucial.

It would be wrong to mistrusteveryone, but a healthy dose of skepticism is strongly recommended.By educating ourselves, we will become part of the process that ourgovernment is charged with.Currently, if a product being marketed is defective or toxic, theconsumer is saddled with the burden of proof.Industry must be made to prove the safety of a product before it ismarketed. By the same token, they must be made responsible fordamagesto the environment and our health.--[a] Aventis Takes Legal Action Vs UK Govt Over Pesticide. Dow JonesNewswires 7sep01 Baker, DM. Presentation at 2001 commencement ceremony of CollegeofNatural Resources, University of California, Berkeley

20may01--Parts Per TrillionFor a medical student to read that estradiol must be measured inpartsper trillion (ppt), should be nothing new. Now, try visualizing what1ppt looks like.Imagine one drop of water in 660 rail tank cars. That's a train sixmiles long![41] It is not possible to see six miles as one sees ayardstick or a milliliter, or even a single cell.But the difference of a few parts per trillion of a hormone can meanaworld of difference during ones whole life.Frederick vom Saal's postgraduate work at the University of Texasexemplifies the power of hormones. He showed that the womb-mate ofmousepermanently affected its adult characteristics in terms ofaggression,sexuality, and reproduction.If a female mouse's womb position was between two males, it has

agreater chance of being aggressive, producing less sex-attractingpheromones, matured more slowly, and came into heat less frequentlythanone that was located between two females. [42]Other researchers found that the womb position also determines thesexratio of that mouse fetus' future litters.[43]The result of these findings is that it is no longer adequate toconsider cancer as the most important or only end point.Why Haven't I Heard of Endocrine Disruptors?The reasons are many, but the lack of awareness is caused by oureducational, regulatory, and economic systems.Each plays a part in maintaining the status quo.Scientific communication is greatly reduced by divisions intoincreasingly smaller fields of study.Corporate funding of academic research and political campaignsfurtherreduces open communication.The health care system thrives on cures rather than

prevention, and"profit" rather than "healing".Through their own research, chemical manufacturers have known for adecades about the dangers of the chemicals they produce.In spite of incessant warnings by scientists and organizations, theynotonly refuse to adequately test them before marketing them, but havealsoorganized into action groups, spending many millions of dollars onpublic media campaigns to disinform us.Profit is the sole reason.In March 26, 2001, PBS aired a Bill Moyers' special exposing theconspiracy of the PVC industry in concealing the toxicity of VCM(vinylchloride monomer) from many thousands of workers. Labeling it aconspiracy is far from exaggeration.The program, Trade Secrets, was inspired by years of research intohundreds of thousands of documents obtained through lawsuits and theFreedom of Information Act.Many of the documents are freely

accessible on the EnvironmentalWorking Group's website. Guilt-ridden industry people are comingforwardwith even more as this book goes to print.It is an abundant source of industry records detailing the long-runninghistory of illicit actions to "compromise" the health and trust ofthePVC industry workers. [44]What do the Chemical Manufacturers Have to Say? Chemicalmanufacturersclaim that "scientists" who urge precaution with regards to EDs arebut"hysterical sensationalists".They warn that thousands of workers would be needlessly unemployedifproduction of these toxic chemicals were halted without absoluteproofof harm.They also say that because only animal tests have been done, noproofexists that humans are being affected as other animals are.But through studies of industrial accidents and inadequately testedorprescribed pharmaceuticals, enough has been

learned to stronglyconnectthe effect of EDs to humans.These are a few examples of cases illustrating the connectionbetweenEDs and humans:DES (diethylstilbestrol) was used to treat up to 4 million women forpregnancy-related problems;[45]the 1976 chemical factory explosion in Seveso, Italy exposedthousandsof people to dioxin; [46]thousands of people living around the Minimata Bay in Japandevelopedmethylmercury poisoning through the consumption of fish contaminatedbythe intentional dumping of tons of mercury into by ChissoCorporation;and the effects of Agent Orange, the ubiquitous defoliant usedduringthe Vietnam War during the 1960's, are still being felt to this dayinthe US, Vietnam and many other countries.[47]When industry is threatened, they debunk low-dose toxicity as "junkscience" or that it is the message of a Luddite.Toxicologists are paraded in front of the

media declaring "the dosemakes the poison," or that there is a "no-effect level for allchemicals."But when one asks the wrong questions, errors are inevitable.Tests can and have been designed by industry to "eliminate"or "avoidfinding" results detrimental to "profits".[48]The estrogenic properties of bisphenol-A, (BPA) were known as earlyas1936, yet children now have their teeth coated with plasticcontainingBPA[49].The American Dental Association (ADA) denies any problem and goes oncoating teeth[50].Food and drink cans are lined with it.Some plastic baby bottles contain it and other plasticizers. Andit'sall done with the approval of the FDA.In April 1999, Consumer Reports Special Report advised parents todispose of soft vinyl teethers and toys that infants sometimes suckorchew, and all clear, shiny plastic baby bottles, unless themanufacturertells you

they're not made of polycarbonate, which leaches BPA.They also advised parents to replace the bottles with those made ofglass or an opaque, less-shiny plastic (the plastic bottles areoftencolored).Shortly thereafter, in conjunction with American Council on HealthandScience (ACSH), an industry-funded front group, "family doctor" C.Everett Koop, stated that there is no problem. His strongly statedpressrelease claims that polycarbonate bottles are safe and that thepublicshould not listen to the "junk science" of the people that broughtusthe alar scare.Not only was alar proven to be as toxic as claimed, but Koop'sargumentin favor of polycarbonate bottles is wrought with "contradictions".[51]Isn't the government watching out for our safety?Less than half of the 38,000 high production volume chemicals* havebeentested for their toxicity, and few

of the 75,000 chemicals on themarkethave been tested for combinations found in our everyday lives.* High production volume (HPV) chemicals are those which aremanufactured in or imported into the United States in amounts equaltoor greater than one million pounds per year.The government relies upon tests conducted by or paid for by themanufacturers. Antiquated regulations and laws govern the productionanduse of most chemicals and products on the market today.In many cases the regulations were written by the "regulatedindustry"itself.Each attempt at protective and precautionary legislation is thwartedbyindustry using the influence of its "substantial accumulation" ofmoney.The Endocrine Disruptors Screening and Testing Advisory Committee(EDSTAC) which convened between 1997 and 1998, was established toadvisethe EPA on a strategy for

screening and testing new and existingchemicals for their potential to disrupt endocrine functions inhumansand wildlife.Some of the EDSTAC recommendations are that EPA considers screeningandtesting 87,000 chemicals, to address environmental impacts, andfocus onboth human and ecological health.Sadly, congress grossly under-funded the EPA for this project, andithasn't a hope of progressing. In 1998, a rough estimate of its costwas$50 million.But EPA got only $3.2 million in FY 1999. Industry has not offeredtopay for any testing in spite of the fact that these highly suspectchemicals are all industry-produced.[52]Pesticides are a good example of regulations that were written -- incomplete disregard for public health-- with only industry profits inmind.Without any testing at all, many pesticides are "grandfathered in",orapproved for use because they were

created before regulations.Pesticidetesting is done by manufacturers and/or paid for by manufacturers.Even then, they are not tested as the final product sold in storesor tofarmers.Only the "active ingredient' of a pesticide is tested, without its"inert ingredients," which can be as much as 99.99% of the product.Inerts can be significantly more toxic than the actives.The mixture of active and inerts can have a synergistic effect ofmultiplying the toxicity many times beyond that of each part.[53] Bydefinition, an inert is any substance other than an activeingredient.[54]Many inerts are on restricted use lists, but as part ofa "registered"pesticide they are permitted. To be registered means only that theyareregistered and guarantees no safety or testing.In fact, it is illegal to claim a pesticide is safe.[55]All of this would be comedy, if not for the willful

destruction ofourhealth and future, and that of our environment -- all in the name ofprofit.Most inerts are "proprietary", meaning that consumers do not havetheright to know.[56]The GW Bush administration is working hard at reducing our right toknow and further protecting industry profits.Precautionary PrincipalUnder the present risk assessment regulatory scheme, industry isallowedto produce potentially damaging chemicals until absolute proof ofhumanharm exists.Costs and benefits of chemicals must be accounted for in theprocess.Essentially, it dictates how many people may be killed or maimedbeforea chemical is restricted or banned.Far too much importance is given to theoretical models of risk thataresignificantly less complex than the real world where everyone isregularly exposed to an infinite combination of chemicalsinteracting inunknown

ways with unknown outcomes.Risk assessment is also extremely inadequate in dealing withextremely"low-dose exposure", where EDs can be most "active".According to the well-established scientific method, scientists cansupport a hypothesis, but never absolutely prove it. Therefore,industry's demand of absolute proof that EDs can injure humans atextremely low levels is not possible.It is right that scientists observe the rules of scientific methodinorder to maintain standardization, but our legislators must considertheconsequences of not taking action protective of public health.Inaction is similar to action in that both are intentional decisionswith somewhat predictable outcomes. A chemical should be consideredguilty until proven innocent, putting the burden of proof on themanufacturer rather than on the public.Safety testing should be completely independent of the

manufacturer,butthe cost of testing should be borne by the manufacturer.Many scientists believe that enough evidence of harm to humans,animalsand the environment already exists for scores of chemicals that the"Precautionary Principle" be employed.Key elements of the principle include taking precaution in the faceofscientific uncertainty; exploring alternatives to possibly harmfulactions; placing the burden of proof on proponents of an activityratherthan on victims or potential victims of the activity; and usingdemocratic processes to carry out and enforce the principle-includingthe public right to informed consent.The precautionary principle states that, "When an activity raisesthreats of harm to the environment or human health, precautionarymeasures should be taken even if some cause and effect relationshipsarenot fully established scientifically."

[57]Accordingly, the manufacturer, rather than the public, should beartheburden of proof.Avoiding Endocrine DisruptorsWomen suffer the greater extent of damage from toxicants and stand agreater chance of passing them on to the future generations.However, men shouldn't feel immune to this problem because the fetusisnot nourished from within their bodies. Genetic mutation and lowfertility in men can be passed on as well. And the chemicals a manworkswith are carried home to his family on his clothing and body.To make a blanket statement, short paper or even a book that wouldcoverall that you need to do to avoid endocrine disruptors would be anarduous task. Purchase less, consume less, and waste less.Unlearn the lessons taught to us by industry and just use lessstuff.Learn how to read labels.And above all, be skeptical of safety claims made by industry

orindustry-funded research.Always question yourself before buying, "Do I really need thisproduct?"If you really need it, then ask, "What can I use that's less toxic?"Nine times out of ten, you'll come up with something less toxic andlessexpensive at the same time.Next, considering that our protective agencies are not what theyclaimto be, everyone must educate themselves on the environmental hazardsthat are right in their own homes.In spite of the fact that they already know about endocrinedisruptors,industry prefers to keep us all ignorant of the harm caused by themanyproducts we use in every area of our houses, properties, andworkplaces.They range from cleaning products, paints and glues, lawn careproductsand pet supplies to auto products, art supplies, cosmetics andfoods.Especially vulnerable to these toxic products are the unborn,

thoseinthe womb and those of future generations.RecommendationsDon't be overwhelmed by this list. Take one step at a time. The taskisto undo a lifetime of misconceptions and disinformation.Don't smoke or drink alcohol.Especially if you're a man or a woman who is planning to havechildren!It can cause permanent damage to the reproductive systems of bothmenand women. A man's sperm can be damaged genetically and be coatedwiththe toxicant, and a woman's ovum can be damaged in the same way.Yourunborn child, and those in subsequent generations may suffer becauseofyour indiscretion. Women who had smoke the same number of cigarettesasmen have twice the amount of DNA damage to their lungs.Men, beware as well. Smoking contaminates a mans sperm, as well asdecreasing its quality and quantity. The toxins can coat the outsideandbe contained within it.Don't use lawn

chemicals or any pesticides.Especially if you're a man or a woman who is planning to havechildren!Don't even think of being near them. Lawns, humans, and animals willbehealthier without them.Don't use makeup, hair sprays & coloring products or nail polishEspecially if you're a man or a woman who is planning to havechildren!Enjoy your own body and not the image that the media says you shouldwant.Avoid using strong chemicals, glues, paints, nail polish andremover,floor & carpet cleaners.Get rid of all those name brands and use earth friendly productssparingly. If you must use chemicals then wear industrial quality,gloves, eye protection and a mask with filters approved for eachchemical being used. Once again… Definitely NOT if you're planningtohave children!Don't heat food or eat hot food in plastic containers, even the onesfrozen dinners now come in.This

includes Teflon coated cookware. Chemicals from the plastic canbeingested with the food and could cause great problems for the unbornandyou.Purchase fresh organic produce, meats and milk free from rBGH.Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone, or rBGH, is a hormone to increasemilk production in cows. It causes mastitis requiring lots ofantibiotics in cows that can be passed on to humans, which in turn,cancreate new incurable diseases.Eat lower on the food chain.Eat more organic fruits and vegetables. Meat, dairy and fish containmore toxic bioaccumulative chemicals. Even if it is organicallyraisedand processed, it contains dioxin.Eat deep-water fish.Avoid swordfish, tuna and shark because of mercury. Avoid allfarm-raised fish, They are fed animal parts, given antibiotics toprevent disease caused by overcrowding, given hormones to stimulategrowth and to encourage lethargy, and their

pens are coated withtoxicpaint to discourage marine growth on the mesh. Especially beware offishing in bays polluted by mercury, PCBs, dioxin, and othersyntheticchemicals. Did you know that there's greater than 6 times moreplasticthan zooplankton floating in the Pacific Ocean, as well as manyotheroceans? Not only is the plastic toxic, it attracts the breakdownproducts—known as metabolites—of DDT in the form of DDE and otherdioxin-like chemicals at a rate of up to 1 million times what'sfound inthe ocean.Buy produce at your local Farmers' Market or join a buying club.Purchase local organic produce in season.Vegetarians have far fewer endocrine disruptors found in their bloodthan people that consume meat.This is because incinerators that are as near as your back yard orasfar away as thousands of miles release dioxin into the air when theyburn chlorine containing materials

like PVC plastic or pesticides[58].The dioxin falls on the grass that cows and cattle eat andaccumulatesin their fat and milk.Because of their longer life, dioxin accumulation is more criticalinmilk cows and beef cattle than chickens or other animals.Being at the top of the food chain, humans accumulate even moredioxinin their blood than the animals they eat.Taking that one step further, infants are at an even higher plane ofthefood chain because they consume the milk of their mothers'.While this is a major health concern, recent studies have shown thatitis still better to breast feed than any of the alternatives.Use fewer processed, prepackaged foods whenever possible.Eat more fresh food, you'll get more nutritional value from yourdiet.And you'll be sure of what's in it! In general, you'll get a muchbettervalue in terms of cost by purchasing whole,

unprocessed foods.Avoid canned goods unless absolutely a must.The nutritional value is lower and some of the interior can coatingsareendocrine disruptors. For more on this topic please read "GetPlasticOut Of Your Diet" (16nov03).Avoid products with hydrogenated, partially hydrogenated fats andoelestra (a synthetic fat substitute).While these types of fats and fat substitutes are not currentlythoughtto be EDs, they are found in snack foods or processed foods and canbebad for your health in both the short- and long-term.Hydrogenated fats, even when made from polyunsaturated fats, canactually increase your LDL (bad cholesterol).Hydrogenated fats give snacks the feel of butter on your tongue andincrease the shelf life of the product. Be on the lookout forhydrogenated fats on ingredient lists.Many junkfood makers are dropping them in favor of other fats suchaspalm

oil. The substitutes, while better, are many times onlymarginallyso.Best to avoid all processed foods if possible. Don't let yourchildrenget near this stuff, or else they'll develop a taste for it, andconsequently, a hard to break habit.Don't stay in places that smell of chemicals.Get out quickly. Don't wait to ask if the smell is safe. Probablythepeople around you know even less.In general, substitute natural products for synthetic productswheneverpossible.That's not an easy task. I've tried it myself. Do it one step at atime.Don't overwhelm yourself. Maybe pick out one thing a month to switchover to a more natural product.Seek out the metal, wooden, ceramic and glass cook wear like yourgrandmother had. There are a lot of people that have been injured bysynthetic chemicals during their production, use, and disposal,and/orby just being in the wrong place at the

wrong time. Protect ourfuturegenerations by making it your business to be one of the well-informedpeople.Don't go to war or join any branch of the Armed ForcesAnd don 't allow your children to do so either. The commands of allbranches of armed forces have no respect for human life. For anextremely detailed lecture that covers this subject pretty well,pleaseread The US Army's Use of Depleted Uranium - US Army Major DougRokke21apr03.--List of Endocrine DisruptorsPersistent Organohalogens:Dioxins and furans, PBBs, PCBs, Hexachlorobenzene,Octachlorostyrene,PentachlorophenolPesticides:2,4,5-T, 2,4-D, alachlor, aldicarb, d-trans allethrin, amitrole,atrazine, benomyl, beta-HCH, carbaryl, chlordane, chlozolinate,-cyhalothrin, cis-nonachlor, cypermethrin, DBCP, DDT,

DDTmetabolites,dicofol, dieldrin, endosulfan, esfenvalerate, ethylparathion,fenvalerate, h-epoxide, heptachlor, iprodione, kelthane, kepone,ketoconazole, lindane, linurone, malathion, mancozeb, maneb,methomyl,methoxychlor, metiram, metribuzin, mirex, nitrofen, oxychlordane,permethrin, procymidone, sumithrin, synthetic pyrethroids,toxaphene,trans-nonachlor, tributyltin oxide, trifluralin, vinclozolin, zineb,ziramPhthalates:Di-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), Di-n-butylphthalate (DBP), Di-n-pentyl phthalate (DPP), Di-hexyl phthalate(DHP),Di-propyl phthalate (DprP), Dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP), Diethylphthalate (DEP),Other:Penta- to Nonyl-Phenols, Bisphenol A, Bisphenol F, Styrene dimersandtrimers, Benzo(a)pyrene, ethane dimethane, sulphonate,tris-4-(chlorophenyl), methane, tris-4-(chlorophenyl), methanol,Benzophenone, N-butyl benzene,

4-nitrotoluene, 2,4-dichlorophenol,Cyanazine, Diethylhexyl adipate, DES (diethylstilbestrol)Metals:Arsenic, Cadmium, Depleted Uranium (Uranium)*, Lead, Mercury. *http://www.antenna.nl/wise/uranium/#DUPharmaceuticals:drug estrogens - birth control pills, DES, cimetidineMore EDs: ), heavy metals (arsenic[59], cadmium[60], lead[61],mercury[62]), 209 PCBs[63], [64] (polychlorinated biphenyl), 75dioxins[65],[66], and 135 furans[67], exhaust from all motorvehicles,cigarette smoke, ordinary household products (breakdowns products ofdetergents and associated surfactants, including nonylphenol andoctylphenolOther referencesKaufman, RH, E Adam, EE Hatch, K Noller, A Herbst, JR Palmer and RNHoover. 2000. Continued follow-up of pregnancy outcomes indiethylstilbestrol-exposed offspring. Obstetrics & Gynecology96(4):483-489.Mulvihill K.

Agricultural pesticides linked to fetal death. ReutersHealth 13feb01Anon. Scientists Link Sterility with High Dioxin Levels The YomiuriShimbun 12nov99Brown D. Herbicides, Diabetes Linked in New Study. Washington Post12oct00Legler JM, et al. Brain and Other Central Nervous System Cancers:RecentTrends in Incidence and Mortality Journal of the National CancerInstitute, v.91, n.16, 1382-1390, 18aug99Buckley JD, et al. Pesticide exposures in children with non-Hodgkinlymphoma. Cancer v.89, i11, 6dec00Anon. Child's Exposure To Pesticides Hikes Lymphoma Risk UniSci30nov00IDRC Study Shows High Exposure to Insecticides Affects MentalCapacity.Learning Disabilities Association of Canada 6feb01Anon. What is a Pesticide? U.S. EPA Office of Pesticide Programs14feb97BooksSilent Spring Rachel Carson 1962 - "What happens in nature is notallowed to happen in the modern,

chemical-drenched world," shewrites,"where spraying destroys not only the insects but also theirprincipalenemy, the birds. When later there is a resurgence of the insectpopulation, as almost always happens, the birds are not there tokeeptheir numbers in check." –Rachel CarsonChemical Exposure and Disease: Diagnostic and InvestigativeTechniquesby Janette Sherman, MD, provides investigative and diagnostictechniquesfor the lay reader as well as the medical and legal community. It iseasy to understand and gives case studies for all body systems.(1988)Chemical Deception: The Toxic Threat to Health and the EnvironmentMarcLappé 1991 (Out of Print) – Lappé charts both individual and globalepisodes of toxicity and discusses the myths that have perpetuatedthem:that the risk from cancer-causing agents is remote; that tap waterissafe; that the body's defenses can handle

food, air, and watercontaminants; that a fetus is protected from dangerous substances;thatthe environment is resilient; and so on.Dying From Dioxin: A Citizen's Guide to Reclaiming Our Health andRebuilding Democracy Lois Gibbs 1995 – Gibbs, one of the originalactivists from the contaminated neighborhoods at Love Canal,explainswhat dioxin is and describes how it affects human health,summarizingthe September 1994 EPA draft report on dioxin and important reportspublished since the EPA report. She reviews the politics surroundingthehistory of dioxin, and offers step-by-step instructions for grass-rootsorganizing, creating a coalition, identifying sources ofcontaminationin the community, and shutting down an incinerator. Containsappendiceson the chemistry of dioxin, conversion charts, sample ordinances,agreements and resolutions, and a declaration of principles ofenvironmental

justice.Our Stolen Future Theo Colborn, Dianne Dumanoski, John P. Myers1996 –This book sent chills up and down my spine. It explains endocrinedisruption in a way that does not require any previous knowledge ofthetheory, showing the interconnectedness of the world. This one bookisresponsible for fanning the flames of my environmental activism.Toxic Deception Dan Fagin, Marianne Lavelle, Center for PublicIntegrety1996 - The authors suggest one industry method for prosperity:nearlyhalf the top officials who left the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) in the last 15 years now work for these companies, directly orindirectly--which might explain why the industry is essentiallyresponsible for testing the toxic effects of its own chemicals andthenreporting the results to the EPA.Living Downstream Sandra Steingraber 1997 – biologist and poetSandraSteingraber writes eloquently

and impassionately of an intimateconnection between the health of our bodies and the integrity of ourair, land, and water. "By skillfully weaving a strong personal dramawith thorough scientific research, Steingraber tells a compellingstory....Well worth reading."--Washington PostGenerations at Risk: Reproductive Health and the Environment TedSchettler, Gina Solomon, MD, Maria Valenti, Annette Huddle 1999 -compelling evidence that human exposure to some toxic chemicals canhavelifelong and even intergenerational effects on human reproductionanddevelopment.Life's Delicate Balance: Causes and Prevention of Breast Cancer byJanette Sherman, MD, defines and documents known causes of breastcancer, and emphasizes the means of prevention. (2000)Hormonal Chaos: The Scientific and Social Origins of theEnvironmentalEndocrine Hypothesis Sheldon Krimsky 2000 - This is not a quick readbutan

engrossing read. Sheldon has proven a link between environmentaltoxins and endocrine disease. He offers not only a credible theoryforendocrine failure through environmental toxins but documents it withscientifically sound data.Pandora's Poison Joe Thornton 2000 - Thornton, a former Greenpeacescientist, describes the "global health hazard" organochlorinesrepresent; suggests that adding chlorine to organic substances isintrinsically dangerous because the substances it produces are moretoxic, fat soluble, persistent, reactive, and/or bioaccumulative;andoutlines how a "chlorine sunset" could be implemented.Trust Us We're Experts Sheldon Rampton and John Stauber Dec 2000 - agripping exposé of the public relations industry and the scientistswhoback their business-funded, anti-consumer-safety agendas. There aretwokinds of "experts" in question--the PR spin doctors behind thescenesand the

"independent" experts paraded before the public, scientistswhohave been hand-selected, cultivated, and paid handsomely to promotetheviews of corporations involved in controversial actions. Other booksthey wrote that you should see Toxic Sludge Is Good for You! and MadCowU.S.A.Having Faith: An Ecologist's Journey to Motherhood. SandraSteingraber2oct01 Perseus Books - has vital information about fetaldevelopment.Illustrates why we need to take more action as a society to protectourchildren, the most vulnerable among us. This book explains manyconceptsin depth for all audiences, not just women. I heard her read acouplesections from this book at the San Francisco Law School when thebookcame out. She describes everything from breast feeding to birthingwithout hesitation. Rather than getting scared and upset at what isgoing on... get active! This book is an excellent

reference book aswell.--References[1] Walsh, L.P., C.McCormick, C.Martin, D.M.Stoccol. RoundupInhibitsSteroidogenesis by Disrupting Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory (StAR)Protein Expression Expression Environmental Health Perspectivesv.108,n.8 Aug00 Note: Roundup is also linked to Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.See[29][2] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Public HealthServiceNational Toxicology Program. Vinyl Chloride CAS No.75-01-4. 9thReporton Carcinogens rev. Jan01[3] Mato, Y., T.Isobe, H.Takada, H.Kahnehiro, C.Ohtake, T.Kaminuma.Plastic Resin Pellets as a Transport Medium for Toxic Chemicals intheMarine Environment. Environ. Sci. Technol. 2001, 35, 318-324[4] Personal conversation with Barry Commoner at the Peoples' DioxinAction Summit, UC Berkeley, Summer

2000.[5] Shu, X.O., M.S.Linet, M.Steinbuch, W.Q.Wen, J.D.Buckley,J.P.Neglia,J.D.Potter, G.H.Reaman, L.L.Robison. Breast-Feeding and Risk ofChildhood Acute Leukemia. Journal of the National Cancer Institute,Vol.91, No. 20, 1765-1772, 20oct99 and Hardell, L., and A.C.Dreifaldt.Breast-feeding duration and the risk of malignant diseases inchildhoodin Sweden. Eur.Jour.Clin.Nut. (2001) 55, 179-185[6] C.Cox. Glyphosate Factsheet in Journal of Pesticide Reformv.108,n.3 Fall98 rev.Oct00 (There is a great disparity between this paperbyC.Cox and Roundup® MSDS sheets.) More on Monsanto[7] Arnold, S., D.Klotz, B.Collins, P.Vonier, L.Guillette Jr.,J.McLachlan. Synergistic Activation of Estrogen Receptor withCombinations of Environmental Chemicals. Science v.272 7jun96[8] Kielhorn, J., C.Melber, U.Wahnschaffe, A.Aitio, andI.Mangelsdorf.Vinyl Chloride: Still a Cause for Concern.

Environmental HealthPerspectives v.108, n.7, July 2000[9] Ohlson, C., L.Hardell. Testicular cancer and occupationalexposureswith a focus on xenoestrogens in polyvinyl chloride plastics.Chemosphere 40(9-11):1277-82 2000.[10] C.Cray. Experimenting On Children in Rachels Environment & HealthWeekly n.603, 18jun98 Environmental Research FoundationAIM Barleygreen"Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future"JoAnn Guestmrsjo-www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets