Endocrine disruptors are synthetic chemicals that block, mimic or otherwise interfere with naturally produced hormones, the body's chemical messengers, that control how an organism develops and functions. Wildlife and humans are exposed daily to these pervasive chemicals that have already caused numerous adverse effects in wildlife and are most likely affecting humans as well.
Hormones play a crucial role in the proper development of the growing fetus.
The fetus is vulnerable even to the most minute concentrations of introduced substances. Substances that have no effect in an adult can become poisonous in the developing embryo. Because of their persistence and mobility, they accumulate in and harm species far from their original source. Species such as terns, gulls, harbor seals, bald eagles, beluga whales, lake trout, panthers, alligators, turtles, and others, have suffered more than one of these effects.