Endocrine disruptors. They are the chemicals often found in pesticides and plasticizers (and detergents, food, toys, and cosmetics) that have been known to interfere with reproductive and immune function in both humans and wildlife.
And now a new report highlights their prevalence in the Potomac River system--the primary source of drinking water for the Washington, D.C. metro area.
The report, released today by the Potomac Conservancy, highlights the increased number of intersex fish--male fish that have developed eggs--in the Potomac River watershed.
This peculiar and somewhat terrifying condition has been linked to increased amounts of endocrine disruptors flowing into rivers. The chemical compounds find their way downstream through pharmaceuticals flushed down the toilet, personal care products such as sunscreen, and pesticides that run off lawns and agricultural lands when it rains.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) started to detect this chemicals in rivers throughout the U.S. nearly ten years ago, and then in 2003 intersex fish were collected from several Potomac River sites.
"Every week new information is coming out about this," said Anne Sundermann, senior director of communications and outreach for the Potomac Conservancy.
While D.C.'s drinking water still meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) standards, the Conservancy argues that these water quality requirements are outdated, not accounting for endocrine disruptors. In addition, the Conservancy points out that wastewater treatment plants, which dump treated water back into rivers such as the Potomac, were mostly designed and built before the need to remove synthetic substances.
As nonprofits and federal agencies hash out potential new regulations, consumers can do their part by never flushing unused drugs down the toilet and finding sunscreens, perfumes, and other cosmetics with natural ingredients, avoiding harmful chemicals and anti-microbials.
--Tasha Eichenseher 
What Others Had to Say
Added by The Window Man on November 25, 2009
Let's all just stop using makeup, pesticides, plastics, and other materials with endocrine disruptors. Problem solved ;)
"I am here to serve."
The Window Man
Added by Ann Smith on February 1, 2010
I thought this was very intriguing, and I noticed that this issue is prevalent not only in the Potomac River, but also around the world. Marine life is threatened by human activity and pollution in Lake Chivero , Africa , where the waste and free flowing raw sewage flows from two major rivers which are lined with businesses. This sewage threatens not only human drinking water, but also aquatic life because of the potential threat of hyacinth, a nasty water weed which can damage the marine life. Also in 1964 when over 5 million fish in the Mississippi River died because of massive amounts of pesticides. Or how today in China, the Yellow River which is lined with 3,800 chemical factories which pollute it greatly. It's kind of crazy and sad how we let things get so far that they damage wildlife, like these fish in the Potomac or fish in Lake Chivero. I believe that for all of these, pesticides and pollution should be more regulated.
Added by Ca Mortgage on February 2, 2010
there are some laws and guidelines that most countries are imposing now about the use of pesticide, and I'm so glad that the authority have notice the bad effect of those chemical in our invirolment
Antioch Ca Homes For Sale
Hayward Ca Homes For Sale
Added by Linda on June 3, 2010
Marine life is getting totally dwindled by the harmful pollutants like plastics. Though in many parts of the world usage of plastics is banned for a while, the concentration remained the same. Each individual should work out in order to vanish the plastics.
Chicago Movers
Added by inter4522 on June 17, 2010
We definitely have to do something about this now. This is our water and we have to protect it. I cannot understand why this is happening.
orlando dui law
Added by John on June 30, 2010
Its very sad to notice that the marine life is being tilted by this harmful pollutants. Marine living beings are actually acting as a source of food. It should be preserved.
san Francisco movers
Added by botha on July 3, 2010
Kamagra wholesale
kamagra supplier
buy tadalafil
buy viagra
online cheap Viagra
Kamagra Wholesale suppliers
Added by botha on July 3, 2010
web hosting
hosting services
webhosting
unlimited web hosting
dedicated server hosting
Added by botha on July 3, 2010
Seo Services
Seo expert
search marketing
pay per click
web designer
Added by Microsoft Office 2007 on July 16, 2010
Microsoft Office 2007
Office 2007 Professional
Office 2007 Ultimate
Office Professional 2007
Office Ultimate 2007
Office 2007 key
Office 2007 enterprise
MS Office 2007
Office 2007 pro
Windows 7 Home Premium
Windows 7 Professional
Added by laixuehui on July 19, 2010
Adidas T-MAC 8.5
Adidas T-MAC 9
Adidas TS Creator Player Basketball shoes
Adidas T-MAC 10 low
Nike air force 1 High
Nike air force 1 Low
Nike air force 1 Low 07
Nike Dunk Shoes
Added by mattken on July 20, 2010
It is really a shame what is going on in this world. All the pollution and global warming. It makes me so sad that I feel like to Play Online Blackjack and forget about the problems.