The
Endocrine Society's 91st Annual Meeting
The Endocrine Society has issued a scientific statement
citing the adverse effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and offers
information and recommendations intended to educate and increase awareness.
According to the scientific statement,
endocrine-disrupting chemicals include, “…substances in our
environment, food and consumer products that interfere with hormone
biosynthesis, metabolism or action resulting in a deviation from normal
homeostatic control or reproduction.”
One such chemical mentioned in the statement is
bisphenol A, widely used in plastic baby bottles and on metal cans. More than
90% of Americans have been exposed to bisphenol A, according to information in
the statement.
“From chemicals in pesticides, food, plastic
bottles, lipstick and many other items that we use on a daily basis, the
concern is real,” Robert M. Carey, MD, president of The Endocrine
Society and professor of medicine at the University of Virginia, said during a
press conference at The Endocrine
The statement includes evidence of the effects of
endocrine-disrupting chemicals on male and female reproduction, thyroid,
metabolism and obesity, among other mechanisms.
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals interfere with hormone
biosynthesis, metabolism and action resulting in adverse developmental,
reproductive, neurological and immune effects in humans and wildlife.
In addition to this statement, several studies on
endocrine-disrupting chemicals, particularly bisphenol A, were reported at The
Endocrine Society’s 91st Annual Meeting. One study linked bisphenol A
exposure in utero to epigenetic changes and altered developmental program. In
another study, researchers reported low doses of bisphenol A promote
arrythmogenesis and altered calcium handling in the heart.
Experts included evidence-based content in the
statement, but also areas of basic and clinical knowledge gaps that require
additional research, according to Carey. The statement was designed to educate
basic and clinical scientists and clinicians about the scientific basis of the
disease and its prevention and management.
Additionally, the statement includes several
recommendations surrounding endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as enhancing
research and advocating involvement of stakeholders in communicating and
implementing changes in public policy and awareness.
For more information on the scientific statement, visit
The Endocrine Society website. – by Christen Haigh
