User:LE4rSt0966/New sandbox

BPA (Bisphenol A) is the monomer used to manufacture polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins used as a lining in most food and beverage cans. BPA global capacity is in excess of 6.4 billion pounds (2.9×109 kg) per year and thus is one of the highest-volume chemicals produced worldwide. The ester bonds in the BPA-based polycarbonates could be subject to hydrolysis and leaching of BPA. But in the case of epoxypolymers formed from bisphenol A, it is not possible to release bisphenol A by such a reaction. It is also noteworthy that, of the bisphenols, bisphenol A is a weak xenoestrogen. Other compounds, such as bisphenol Z, have been shown to have stronger estrogenic effects in rats.

It has been suggested that biphenol A and other xenoestrogens might cause disease to humans and animals. One review suggests that bisphenol A exposure as a result of feasible scenarios could cause disease in humans. BPA has also been observed to have been correlated with advanced puberty in adolescent girls. Those indicating signs of advanced puberty were found to have significantly increased BPA levels found in urine samples collected.

Atrazine[edit]
Atrazine is widely used as an herbicide to control broad-leaf weed species that grow in crops such as corn, sugarcane, hay and winter wheat. Atrazine is also applied to Christmas trees, residential lawns, golf courses, and other recreational areas. Atrazine is the second largest selling pesticide in the world and estimated to be the most heavily used herbicide in the United States. Atrazine has been implicated in interfering with the neuroendocrine system, blocking the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) which in turn reduces luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels.

DDT[edit]
DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) was widely used in pesticides for agricultural purposes until it was banned in 1972 in the United States. DDT's hazardous effects on the environment include being linked to the production of fragile eggshells in birds and showed a 90% decline in the birth rates of alligators. Though it is banned in the United States, DDT continues to be used in many parts of the world for agricultural use, insect control, and to fight the spread of malaria.

There is little risk of DDT causing an increase in health risk upon exposure in adulthood, but in key developmental periods prenatally and in adolescence, there has been evidence to suggest an increased risk of breast cancer.

DDT and its metabolites DDE and DDD are persistent in the environment and accumulate in fatty tissues. In vertebrates, DDT is unable to be broken down and remains within the organism.

* In vertebrates, DDT is unable to be broken down and remains within the organism. There is little risk of DDT causing an increase in health risk upon exposure in adulthood in humans, but in key developmental periods prenatally and in adolescence, there has been evidence to suggest an increased risk of breast cancer .*

Dioxin[edit] ********* LOOK AT THIS AGAIN************
Dioxin, a group of highly toxic chemicals are released during combustion processes, pesticide manufacturing and chlorine bleaching of wood pulp. Dioxin is discharged into waterways from pulp and paper mills. Consumption of animals fats is thought to be the primary pathway for human exposure. A recent study published suggested that exposure to dioxin before birth can alter typical neurological and fetal development by reducing the formation of synapses in the right hemisphere of the brain.

The connection between dioxin and dioxin-like compound (DLC) exposure and human disease is one not well established. Bioassays performed in animals does not show a strong connection between the two.

Endosulfan[edit]
Endosulfan is an insecticide used on numerous vegetables, fruits, cereal grains and trees. Endosulfan can be produced as a liquid concentrate, wettable powder or smoke tablet. Human exposure occurs through food consumption or ground and surface water contamination. Endosulfan exposure is known to cause seizures that are the result of hyper-stimulation of the central nervous system (CNS). Upon significant exposure and accumulation in the system, toxicity of the major organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys has been reported and can lead to death within hours.

Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs)
Both PBBs and PBDEs belong to the same class of chemicals known as brominated flame retardants. PBBs (Polybrominated biphenyls) are chemicals added to plastics used in computer monitors, televisions, textiles and plastics foams to make them more difficult to burn. Manufacturing of PBBs in the United States stopped in 1976, however because they do not degrade easily. PBBs continue to be found in soil, water and air. PBDEs (Polybrominated biphenyl ethers) behave similarly to PBBs in that they are also a flame retardant. PBDEs are not chemically bound to the items they are attached to, and thus can leech into the environment.

PCBs[edit]
PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) are man made organic chemicals known as chlorinated hydrocarbons. PCBs were manufactured primarily for use as insulating fluids and coolants given their chemical stability, low flammability and electrical insulating properties. PCBs were banned in 1979 but, like DDT, continue to persist in the environment. The effects of PCBs are not limited to the environment. There have been associations revealed between maternal PCB levels and conditions such as asthma, eczema, roseola, and upper respiratory infections.

Phthalates[edit]
Phthalates are plasticizers providing durability and flexibility to plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). High molecular weight phthalates are used in flooring, wall coverings and medical device such as intravenous bags and tubing. Low molecular weight phthalates are found in perfumes, lotions, cosmetics, varnishes, lacquers and coatings including timed releases in pharmaceuticals. Exposure to phthalates can have varying effects in humans depending on maturity. In adults, phthalate exposure has been linked to conditions like asthma, metabolic disorders like type II diabetes and insulin resistance, allergies, and asthma. In children, exposure to phthalates has a marked difference when compared to adults, having been associated with disrupted reproductive hormone levels and thyroid function.