Homework #8: The Endocrine Disruptor Chemicals (EDCs)

Discuss the first question immediately without completing the readings based on your opinion about EDC (endocrine disruptor chemicals). Then complete the reading assignment and begin discussing the second set of questions.

As we learned in an earlier module, chemicals make up our cells and the fluids in our bodies. However, some chemicals in our lives negatively affect the functioning of our bodies by disrupting our endocrine systems. Watch this brief news clip from RT television: Above Science (2013). Household Items that are Dangerous to your Hormones. https://www(dot)youtube(dot)com/watch?v=Pnwdyi1FlqE&feature=youtu.be

First, let’s start with a question based on your opinion:

1. Should we be concerned about the endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDCs) exposure we have in our lives?

Now read the textbook assignment, read one of the two short articles and watch the one of the two videos found below.

Articles

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. (2010). http://www(dot)niehs(dot)nih(dot)gov/health/materials/endocrine_disruptors_508.pdf

Nicole, W. (2015). Unexpected Activity: Evidence of Obesogenicity of a BPA Metabolite. Environmental Health Perspectives, 123, 12, A303. http://ehp(dot)niehs(dot)nih(dot)gov/123-a303/

Videos

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. (2010). Our Chemical Lives. https://www(dot)niehs(dot)nih(dot)gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/

TEDX. (2014). Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals: Science, Policy, and What You Can Do. https://www(dot)youtube(dot)com/watch?v=qtYo0CqcmaQ&feature=youtu.be

Thinking about how endocrine disruptors may block or mimic the hormones of endocrine system, answer the following::

1. If the endocrine system is physiologically affected in various endocrine conditions, who would you say is most negatively impacted by endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDCs) and why?
2. What are some pros and cons of the “EDC-free” lifestyle for individuals that do not suffer any known conditions from EDCs? (Does it benefit everyone’s health, increase healthier food choices, &/or distract from more important health concerns?)
3. How have you or someone you know experienced a social change being “EDC-free”? (Restaurant choices, birthday celebrations, family and friend get-togethers, food shopping, conversations at work, with friends, or at home, etc.) If you don’t know someone, what assumptions can you make that are supported by your research on this topic?

Now read the following questions and briefly describe your thoughts on the answer and how you come to that answer. This activity is intended to allow you to think about what you have learned and how you can apply it to problems or situations in the real world.

1. Which hormone type –steroid and nonsteroid-would be best suited for a fast, large-scale, but quickly declining response?
2. Why are prostaglandins referred to as tissue hormones?
3. If a person is dehydrated, how would the level of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) secreted by the posterior pituitary gland change?

DON’T FORGET Reference or mention specifically how your ideas are supported by the text and articles.