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Email a friend671 Hormone Disruption, Part 2
Radio Shows March 8, 2008
Bisphenol A is an estrogen mimic, found in some of the plastics we use in our everyday lives. How much of a problem is this endocrine disrupter? Are there other compounds that should concern us?
Biologists suggest that some natural experiments could help illuminate this question. For example, cats are experiencing an unusually high number of thyroid problems. What could be triggering this hormone disturbance? Alligators in Florida lakes also demonstrate abnormal development. What can they teach us?
This is the second in a two-part series on endocrine disruption.
Guests: Linda Birnbaum, PhD, is Division Director of Experimental Toxicology at the United States Environmental Protection Agency. She is past president of the Society of Toxicology and president elect of the International Union of Toxicology. Dr. Birnbaum also serves on the faculties of both Duke University and the University of North Carolina.
Louis Guillette, PhD, is distinguished professor of zoology at the University of Florida in Gainesville and professor at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
Tags: bisphenol A, endocrine disruption, hormone, PBDE, thyroid
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Reader Comments
Joe, Terry
Your 2-part presentation on endocrine disruptors was an excellent and fair reporting of the science and the often difficult proving of cause and effect. I particularly liked your thoroughness. More n>1--part programs like this, please!
Ken
Posted by: Ken Ingold | March 8, 2008 9:07 AM
In light of this information, maybe Dow Chemical Co. should change their slogan to "We bring WEIRD things to life"? And maybe all you non-smokers can quit picking on smokers who are NOT the cause of all the pollution/health problems, just the most visible and vulnerable to public pressure. I think we will find that the funding behind all the anti-smoking propaganda came from the chemical companies. Good smoke screen/diversion tactic.
Posted by: Louise Dotter | March 8, 2008 9:24 AM
Where can we find the stainless steel water bottle mentioned by the Dr. in today's program?
Posted by: Pat | March 8, 2008 1:38 PM
Excellent program. Great courage of Dr. Birnbaum to speak out, given the ambivalent position of EPA on dioxin.
I know I can download the program to listen to it. Can I get a printed transcription?
Posted by: JFP | March 10, 2008 2:48 AM
You can find stainless steel bottles at ReusableBags.com. They also sell SIGG-brand bottles, which are aluminum with an inert lining and guaranteed not to interact with anything. They come in various sizes and with different lids, including some especially for kids. I've seen some of these at Wellsprings and Earth Fare lately.
Posted by: TB | March 10, 2008 12:43 PM
How do I find out if Dioxyn is in Nalgene bottles????!!
Posted by: Gwen | March 27, 2008 8:40 AM
I wrote to several grocery store chains to see which, if any, were working to remove bisphenol A from cans. Trader Joes replied that none of their cans contain bisphenol A which was great news!
Posted by: Ann Leonard | April 4, 2008 6:40 PM