Are endocrine disruption effects different from other toxic effects?
Yes, scientists are beginning to discover that these effects may be very complex and different from the familiar toxic effects researched in the past. The familiar, classic chemical toxicity occurs when high doses may cause immediate effects, and lesser doses cause long-term effects, but very low doses are assumed to be benign. With EDCs, very low concentrations appear to be causing effects. Also, EDCs can have very indirect effects on organs that regulate reproductive or growth processes. Some “turn on” processes while others “turn off” processes—all at the same time. Thus, predicting the effects of individual chemicals or mixtures of chemicals acting together will take time. In addition, EDCs are not created equal. Different chemicals have different “potencies” or potential to cause effects similar to natural estrogens. Chemicals like synthetic estrogens in birth control pills have very potent effects while other chemicals like phthalates may be 1,000 times less “potent.” Phthalates
