Tracey Blanchard
Herzing University
Unit 7 Discussion – Endocrine Disruptors
June 18, 2024
SC154-TC
Professor Ty Hoffman
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that are either naturally or chemically made that may interfere
with, block, or act like hormones found within the endocrine system. These types of chemicals are known
to cause many different health problems. Many of these disruptors are found in everyday products that
people use but do not know that they can cause issues. The chemicals can be found in the air, diet, skin,
and water (NIEHS, 2024). The specific disruptor that will be discussed is polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs) this type is associated with a high risk of acquiring thyroid cancer. Polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs) are chemicals that are used to create electrical equipment (transformers) along with hydraulic
fluids, heat transfer fluids, lubricants, and plasticizers (NIEHS, 2024). In 1979, the government banned
using PCBs based on their high toxicity and possible threat to human and wildlife health (Alsen et al.,
2021). Even though PCBs were banned, their residue remains in the environment and may be found in
oil, cable installation, paint, plastics, and electrical items. PCBs usually occur in combinations that allow
for the PCB to affect more than one path due to having diversity within the hormone.
A wide range of studies are performed to help resolve any uncertainty surrounding these
endocrine disruptors and how they affect the endocrine system. If the chemical disruptor mimics a
hormone, it could be causing the body to overreact to the stimulus or cause it to respond at an
inappropriate moment. Examples of these possibilities include a growth hormone that may cause muscle
mass to increase or produce insulin when it is not required. Other disruptors may block a hormone from
attaching to its receptors or cause the endocrine system to stimulate or inhibit the production of hormones
seen in the under or overactive thyroid (EPA, 2024).
