The Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism brings us this month’s peek behind the curtain, as we dig deeper to learn more about the investigative stories local reporters are working on now. On today’s program, reporter Kate Golden warns us that we are awash in endocrine disruptors.
Just what is an endocrine disruptor and why should you care? From 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.”
Where do they come from?
“A wide range of substances, both natural and man-made, are thought to cause endocrine disruption, including pharmaceuticals, dioxin and dioxin-like compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls, DDT and other pesticides, and plasticizers such as bisphenol A. Endocrine disruptors may be found in many everyday products– including plastic bottles, metal food cans, detergents, flame retardants, food, toys, cosmetics, and pesticides.”
In short, common chemicals that we encounter in our daily lives are changing our bodies in ways we are only beginning to discover. And they’re in our water here in Wisconsin.
Read the story: Concerns grow about hormone-disrupting chemicals in Wisconsin water
Listen to the interview to understand….