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Endocrine-Disrupting Compounds

Some chemicals can mimic the effects of hormones in animals and cause adverse physiologic effects, such as changes to the reproductive system or to the growth and development of an organism. These chemicals are called endocrine disrupting compounds, or EDCs.  EDCs do not usually exhibit acute toxicity at the levels normally found in the environment, but instead can alter the normal functioning and growth of the exposed organism at very low concentrations.

In the last decade, national and statewide studies have revealed that many chemicals with known or suggested endocrine disrupting potential are found in the aquatic environment. These chemicals include pharmaceuticals, personal care products, chemicals associated with wastewater effluent, and a variety of industrial compounds. Apart from the disquieting realization that wastewater chemicals and drugs are detectable in much of our surface water, there is a growing concern that even at low concentrations, chemicals, or mixtures of them, may adversely affect fish, wildlife, ecosystems, and possibly human health.

•  Statewide Endocrine Disrupting Compound Monitoring Study, 2007 - 2008
  • Addendum