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ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS IN THE ENVIRONMENT
Citation:
Nacci, D E., D M. Champlin, B. Soffientino, P. Veilliette, M. Chandlee, AND J. Specker. ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS IN THE ENVIRONMENT. Presented at Rhode Island Natural History Survey Conference, Providence, RI, March 7, 2003.
Description:
The endocrine system produces hormones which are powerful natural chemicals that regulate important life processes. Endocrine disruptors are human-made chemicals distributed globally which have the potential to interfere with the endocrine system and produce serious biological effects. Traditionally, the toxic potency of chemicals has been based on tests designed to assess chemical concentrations high enough to kill laboratory species. However, because the actions of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are amplified through the endocrine signaling pathways, their effects may be produced at very low, sublethal concentrations not used in traditional tests. And, like hormones, small changes in concentrations and timing of exposure can affect the nature and severity of EDC effects. Therefore, traditional methods for determining ?safe environmental concentrations' are inadequate for EDCs. In this presentation, we will review some recent research using local estuarine fish species, including silverside, cunner, and flounder. These ecologically important species are being used as experimental models to assess the direct effects of EDCs on the sensitive processes of sexual development, metamorphosis, and reproduction. This research will improve our ability to identify previously undiscovered EDCs affecting aquatic life and understand mechanisms by which EDCs produce effects. These findings have important implications for many species, including humans.