Washington, DC—The Endocrine Society presented its first-ever Scientific Statement on endocrine-disrupting chemicals today at ENDO 09, the 91st Annual Meeting of The Endocrine Society. The Scientific Statement presents evidence on the health effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals as well as recommendations for increasing understanding and raising awareness of these effects.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are substances in the environment that interfere with hormone biosynthesis, metabolism or action resulting in adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological and immune effects in both humans and wildlife.

“From chemicals in pesticides, food, plastic bottles and other items that we use every day, the concern is real,” said Robert M. Carey, MD, president of The Endocrine Society. “In this Scientific Statement on endocrine-disrupting chemicals— developed by a group of experts in the field—we present evidence that shows endocrine disruptors have effects on male and female reproduction, breast development and cancer, prostate cancer, neuroendocrinology, thyroid disease, metabolism and obesity, and cardiovascular endocrinology.”

The Scientific Statement is a brand new initiative of The Endocrine Society. The statements are designed to educate basic scientists, clinical scientists, and clinicians about the scientific evidence for the basis of disease. This evidence can also be applied in the practice of medicine with regard to both prevention and management.

“Within this statement we also make a number of recommendations to increase understanding of the effects of endocrine disruptors,” said Dr. Carey. “The recommendations include enhancing basic and clinical research, and advocating involvement of individual and scientific society stakeholders in communicating and implementing changes in public policy and awareness.”
 

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Founded in 1916, The Endocrine Society is the world's oldest, largest, and most active organization devoted to research on hormones and the clinical practice of endocrinology. Today, The Endocrine Society's membership consists of over 14,000 scientists, physicians, educators, nurses and students in more than 80 countries. Together, these members represent all basic, applied, and clinical interests in endocrinology. The Endocrine Society is based in Chevy Chase, Md. To learn more about the Society, and the field of endocrinology, visit our web site at www.endo-society.org.