During the last decade, scientists have recognized a newly defined kind of hazard from chemicals-endocrine disruption.
Endocrine disrupting chemicals interfere with the activity of hormones within the body.
Many manufactured chemicals mimic natural hormones and send false messages. Other synthetic compounds block the messages and prevent true messages from getting through. Some cause disruption by preventing the synthesis of the body's own hormones or by accelerating their breakdown and excretion. Any chemical that interferes directly or indirectly with hormones can scramble vital messages, derail development, and undermine health. Hormone disrupting contaminants may be hazardous at extremely low doses and pose a greater danger to the developing fetus in the womb.