8.3 What are endocrine disruptors?

Which of the following is FALSE about endocrine disruptors?

• male frogs exposed to atrazine ended up with female anatomy

• there are only about 10 endocrine disrupting chemicals

• most endocrine disruptors are manufactured

What do endocrine disrupters actually DO that is so disruptive?

• Stimulate production of hormones when they aren't supposed to

• Prevent hormones from being produced when they should be

• Change how the hormones interact with each other

• All of these

Why are developing fetuses and infants even more vulnerable to these chemicals than adults?

• These are chemicals commonly found in prenatal vitamins taken by pregnant women.

• Their immune systems and metabolic systems are still developing.

• The diseases that adults develop during their life can be passed on to our offspring.

To reduce your exposure to endocrine disruptors, you should avoid all of the following products EXCEPT (which of these is safe from endocrine disruptors)

• Aluminum foil and aluminum cookware.

• Plastic wrap and canned foods.

• BPA (look specifically for plastic products that say they are BPA free).

• Furniture or clothes that are treated with flame retardant chemicals.

• Nonstick cookware and utensils.