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The endocrine system is a delicate and finely balanced system of hormones and glands. The endocrine system adjusts and regulates many bodily functions, including growth and development, sexual behavior, reproduction, stress control, metabolism, and production and use of insulin. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals – some natural, and others resulting from human activity (1).

There is strong scientific evidence that shows that exposure to EDCs interrupts the normal function of the reproductive system, and can lead to infertility, cancer in reproductive organs, and birth defects in the urinary system and sex organs. There is also a growing body of knowledge describing and analyzing the ways in which EDCs have a negative affect on other parts of the endocrine system, such as the thyroid gland and neuroendocrine system. These effects, in turn, cause learning disabilities, developmental problems, abnormal sexual development, diabetes, and obesity (2). The effects of EDCs have now reached epidemic proportions (1).

Until recently it was believed that EDCs present a risk only when one is exposed to high doses of chemicals, but recent evidence shows adverse affects occur even after low level exposures. Studies also suggest that EDCs’ influence depends on one's age at exposure and personal predisposition. Nonetheless, the riskiest time for exposure is in utero and as a newborn (3). For example, researchers have found that children of women who were exposed to phthalates during pregnancy had more disruptive behaviors. Phthalates are chemicals used in the plastic industry and can be found abundantly in everyday products such as bottles and cosmetics (4). Scientific literature also links exposure to phthalates to hypospadias (a congenital birth defect) and early development of breast buds in girls.

There is much evidence of endocrine disruption among wildlife as well. The main effects found among wildlife – both on land and in the water - were  effects on the function of the immune system, changes in sexual behavior and permanent effects on sex organ development (5).