endocrine disruptor

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued the first test orders for pesticide chemicals to be screened for their potential effects on the endocrine system. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interact with and disrupt the hormones produced or secreted by human and animal endocrine systems, which regulate growth, metabolism and reproduction.

These changes are in response to a growing grassroots movement to oppose toxic pesticides and raise the alarm about the health risks of endocrine disruptors, found in pesticides and other consumer products.