The following is my take on a selection from Environmental Studies, by Thomas Easton. This is it in a nutshell, tried to get the just of what the author was saying. Please leave a comment of your take on these issues.
Humans have comparable inheritances and similarities in our shared environment; therefore, things that occur in one region, whether human or animal influenced, have an impact elsewhere in the world. Our evolution has not strayed far from the “ancient recipe.” [i] This is why except for a few differences humans are compared close to other animals such as gorillas and turtles. Testing on lab animals has given us answers to the side effects of industrial chemicals we are now seeing in humans.
The side effects of industrial chemicals on humans and animals have accumulated in our body fat. Further more if these chemicals are affecting animals in a negative way, we should not doubt that they will affect us in a similar manner. Although, arguments on the testing on lab mice, debate whether the results accurately portray what to expect in humans. For example, concerns of over exposure on the lab mice to these toxic chemicals can cause the results to be misinterpreted.
Studying the effects on animals gives us knowledge that all mammals have the hormone guide development. This is seen in lab reports that mimic those of pregnant mothers who used diethylstilbestrol (DES) during their pregnancy. Using DES in the laboratory and in pregnancy has revealed that both low and high concentrations can have alarming results; however in some cases over exposure to DES may not result in such severe damage.
Fred Vom Saal explains the results of over exposure, is like an upside down U, meaning that there is not always an increased risk or response with a higher dose. This means that sometimes the results can vary depending on the amount of a chemical introduced, and caution should be taken to find all the risks involved.
In the case of endocrine disruption and their effects on humans, a lot has been left unanswered. In 1991 heads of multiple scientific fields met in Wisconsin, to address this issue. Results showed the effect of these hormone disruptors on animal species, also harmed humans. i A warning that these chemical disruptors were harmful to the embryonic development was published. This warning stated that people were being exposed to these chemicals and that humans were at risk of permanent damage.
Overall, the signs that these chemicals are already evident in humans is hard to recognize because of its long lag time before symptoms appear, and the lack of research in this field. However, some signs have been noticed by paediatricians in this the United States, such as genital abnormalities in children. Until signs are more evident we may have to cross the tipping point before more can be done in this field.
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