Endocrine Disruptors and Environmental Exposure Risks Identified by EMSL Analytical, Inc.

According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, “Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that may interfere with the body’s endocrine system and produce adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects in both humans and wildlife.”  These substances can be either naturally occurring or man-made. 
 
The endocrine system regulates biological processes in the body from conception through adulthood.  This includes the development of the brain and nervous system, the growth and function of the reproductive system, as well as metabolism and blood sugar levels. The female and male reproductive organs, pituitary, thyroid and adrenal glands are all major components of the endocrine system.
 
As society has become more aware of potential harm from exposure to various endocrine disruptors, this group of chemicals has received increasing attention from many scientists and public health advocates.  “People can be exposed to endocrine disruptors in many ways that they may not realize,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Some have been used in pesticides, herbicides, consumer products, pharmaceuticals and even as a component in some building materials. Others may be found in contaminated foods and water and people can even be exposed by simply breathing unhealthy air in some circumstances.”
 
EMSL provides testing supplies and analytical services to identify many common endocrine disruptors from materials and indoor and outdoor environmental samples.  A partial list of known and suspected endocrine disruptors that EMSL provides testing services for includes:

• Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
• Bisphenol A (BPA)
• Perchlorate
• Phthalates
• Dioxin and Dioxin-like Compounds
• DDT
• Arsenic
• Cadmium
• Lead
• Mercury

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) (856) 303-2503

Contact via E-mail