What is an endocrine disruptor?
An endocrine disruptor is a synthetic chemical that, when absorbed into the body, interferes with the function of the endocrine system.  Human growth and development, particularly the differentiation of tissues in young children (including embryos and fetuses) are regulated by the various glands of the endocrine system such as the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, thymus, pancreas, ovaries, and testes.  These glands release precise amounts of hormones which, by their interaction with receptors in various organs, enable our bodies to respond appropriately to stimuli as well as control many of our life functions. Perhaps the most familiar example of hormonal regulation is the menstrual cycle. Endocrine disruptors can mimic certain hormones thereby wreaking havoc with the body’s rhythms and function. Examples of human endocrine disruptors are diethylstilbesterol (the drug DES), dioxin, PCBs, DDT, and a number of other pesticides. In addition, preliminary animal studies suggest that plasticizers may also act as endocrine disruptors. Recent reports have raised concerns that common household chemicals, some pharmaceuticals and cosmetic ingredients may also have adverse effects on bodily functions.

How do we get exposed to endocrine disruptors?
Nearly everyone is unknowingly exposed to endocrine disruptors in the form of pesticide residues in the food we eat, the water we drink, the shampoos, lotions, conditioners, and other cosmetics we use.  Many of these endocrine disruptors are byproducts of industrial processes. They may also leach out of plastics such as those used as bottled water containers (the softer the plastic, the more likely plasticizers will leach out) and hospital intravenous bags. Some preservatives may also interfere with our natural metabolic processes.  Like their natural hormone counterparts, these compounds are fat-soluble. Consequently, their effects are cumulative over time as they are not excreted. Furthermore, endocrine disruptors are persistent in the environment so we are exposed to them when we eat fish caught in contaminated waters.  Conventional water treatment processes used in large scale treatment plants such as coagulation, flocculation, and filtration are largely ineffective at removing endocrine disruptors.

Who is most at risk from endocrine disruptor exposure?
As our experience with DES has shown, children (especially babies in utero) are highly susceptible to the effects of endocrine disruptors because their bodies are still in the growth processes so precisely regulated by the hormones of the endocrine system. Differentiation of tissues is also adversely affected by the presence of hormone analogs in the body. In addition, their smaller body mass results in a greater relative concentration of the toxins in children (i.e. the amount which would have minor effects in an adult of say, 150 lbs might be disastrous to a 50 lb. child).

How can endocrine disruptors be removed from drinking water?
A joint study between the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology in South Korea and the Southern Nevada Water Authority was released in 2006. This study showed that of all the processes studied, ozone treatment, reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration satisfactorily (> 95%) removed endocrine disruptors from water artificially spiked with these contaminants.

We are ALL at risk for exposure to these damaging chemicals in our drinking water. In addition to growing kids, adults with heightened chemical sensitivities and/or suffering from autoimmune disease NEED clean water to drink.  It could mean the difference between debilitating illness and glowing health!