Question - What is the phenomenon of so-called “endocrine disruption”?
Answer - U.S. EPA notes “In the last two decades there has been a growing awareness of the possible adverse effects in humans and wildlife from exposure to chemicals that can interfere with the endocrine system. These effects can include: developmental malformations, interference with reproduction, increased cancer risk; and disturbances in the immune and nervous system function.
Clear evidence exists that some chemicals cause these effects in wildlife, but limited evidence exists for the potential of chemicals to cause these effects in humans at environmental exposure levels. Very few chemicals have been tested for their potential to interfere with the endocrine system. Current standard test methods do not provide adequate data to identify potential endocrine disruptors (EDs) or to assess their risks to humans and wildlife.” (https://www.epa.gov/endocrine-disruption/what-endocrine-disruption; accessed September 2019)