Endocrine Disruptors Essay

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A major health concern for women in today’s society is breast cancer. The confirmed cases of breast cancer have increased in frequency throughout the years and there is no definite cure. This form of cancer develops through extended exposure to estrogen hormones which signal the start of cell division. Overexposure to this hormone can lead to cell mutations and this, ultimately, leads to cancer. A major contributor to this process are endocrine disruptors which mimic the effects of estrogen and can start the process of cell division even when a woman isn’t ovulating. Many of these compounds have been banned for use in the United States and around the developed world because of the global concern over cancer. These chemicals are now a major problem in the United States because of lasting effects in the environment and the continued use of these compounds in building products and food distribution.
One of the environmental problems linked to the development of breast cancer are endocrine disruptors and their use in agriculture. Many pesticides contain chemicals that are endocrine disruptors and can be found in rural areas throughout the nation. These compounds are found in many aspects of the environment including water, soil, and air. …show more content…

Endocrine disruptors that are used in building materials and electronics, such as: polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), phthalates (PAEs), and polybrominated biphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been linked to a substantial increase in risk for breast cancer with extended exposure. Their presence in building materials and electronic equipment allow for all people to experience this extended exposure, as well as run the risk for a higher exposure in the event of a fire. The proposed policy will limit public exposure to these endocrine disruptors and in doing so, lower the risk of breast cancer by a noticeable

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