Hormones R Us

     These artificial hormones are present in many products such as pesticides, food wrap, Barbie dolls, and spermicides, and disrupt the environment in numerous ways. Thomas A. Easton gives scientific evidence from many environmental researchers stating, “Widespread evidence  of serious and frequently lethal physiological problems involving abnormal reproductive development, unusual sexual behavior, and neurological problems exhibited by a diverse group of animal species, including fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and marine mammals” (318). There is some evidence that suggest these products may also be affecting humans in similar ways. Researchers examine evidence and debate over whether or not these products are having negative effects on humans.

     Michele  L. Trankina believes these products are adversely affecting humans and more research is needed to test these Environmental Hormones Mimics and remove them from the market. Trankina argues that mass populations of several species have been affected by all these products.  Easton states an example from Michele Trankina, “In the process of studying the decline of alligator populations at Lake Apopka, Florida, Guillete and Coworkers noticed that many male alligators had smaller penises than normal” (319). Female alligators also show unusual disrupted sexual behavior. Easton continues, “In addition, females super-ovulated, with multiple nuclei in some of the surplus ova” (320). Michele L. Trankina believes more research could prove that these products are potentially harming humans in the same way. Easton gives an example of Trankina’s findings, “The growing number of estrogen mimics in the environment has been linked to early puberty in girls” (321). Along with sexual abnormalities there is evidence to suggest other health risk is also present from the hormones presented in these products. Easton states Trankina’s example, “Perhaps one of the most disturbing trends is the alarming increase in breast cancer incidence” (321).

      Michael Gough believes that Environmental hormone mimics are not presenting a danger to humans and much of the research is unethical due to invalid studies. Michael Gough feels that researchers are trying to find causes for every disease and abnormality and can be disregarding the need for validating all scientifical data to pinpoint problems. Easton states, “There was no more evidence to link them to every abnormality in wildlife than there had been in the late 1960’s to link every human cancer to chemicals” (328). Michael Gough believes there are several aspects involved with the statistics of breast cancer research that are being overlooked. Easton states, “We know that obesity, estrogen replacement therapy, and late child bearing, or no child bearing all of which are more common in affluent women, are associated with breast cancer” (328). Michael Gough believes the test results being used to consider the effects of hormone mimics are presently inaccurate and are misrepresented to the public. Easton states, “The FQPA requires that “valid” test be used” (330).  Easton Continues, “None of these test being considered by the EDSTAC has been validated, many of them have never been done” (330).

    While both researchers prove good points it seems much easier to agree with Michele Trankina that environmental hormone mimics have disrupted the environment and have a potential of disrupting humans as well. More research should be funded, validated, and documented, to prove every hormone in every product on the market is completely safe today. Scientific research has already proven in the past that synthetic chemicals, steroids, and hormones, such as those found in PCB’s and DDT can have both neurological effects and disturbing mutating effects on many species. The problem is identifying all products on the market today that could be most dangerous to the environment and public will require much more research.       

 Works Cited:

Taking Sides Clashing Views on Environmental Issues Fourteenth Edition, Easton Thomas A. The McGraw and Hill Companies Inc. 2011