The other big thing with estrogen is the environment we are already getting a lot of estrogenic contamination in our water supply
We are already getting too much
"Estrogenic pollutants pose significant challenges in water resources due to their endocrine-disrupting activities and potential hazards to the environment, ecology, and human health—even at low concentrations. Let’s delve into the reasons behind their impact:
Endocrine Disruption: Estrogenic pollutants interfere with the endocrine system, affecting hormone balance in both aquatic organisms and humans. These compounds mimic or block natural hormones, leading to adverse effects on growth, reproduction, and development.
Bioaccumulation: Steroidal estrogens, such as estrone and 17β-estradiol, persist in water bodies. They accumulate in aquatic organisms over time and can eventually reach humans through the food chain. This bioaccumulation poses risks to both wildlife and human consumers.
Synthetic Estrogens: Synthetic estrogens, including 17α-ethinylestradiol (found in oral contraceptives), exhibit higher estrogenic activity than natural hormones. These compounds are commonly detected in water resources and contribute to the overall estrogenic burden.
Industrial and Agricultural Sources: Estrogenic pollutants originate from various sources:
Livestock: Hormone-treated livestock (e.g., dairy cows) release natural and synthetic estrogens into water.
Industry: Chemicals like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides, and phthalates also exhibit estrogenic activity.
Wastewater: Treated and untreated sewage discharges contain estrogenic compounds.
Environmental Impact: Estrogenic pollutants disrupt aquatic ecosystems, affecting fish populations, reproductive success, and overall biodiversity. They can lead to feminization of male fish and altered behavior.
Human Health Concerns: Even at low concentrations, exposure to estrogenic pollutants may impact human health. These compounds have been linked to reproductive disorders, cancers, and developmental abnormalities.
Treatment Challenges: Removing estrogenic pollutants from water resources is challenging. Existing methods (adsorption, oxidation, etc.) have limitations, such as high costs and toxic sludge generation. Enzyme-based bioremediation shows promise but requires further research.
In summary, addressing estrogenic pollutants is crucial for safeguarding water quality, ecosystems, and human well-being. Researchers and policymakers continue to explore effective strategies to mitigate their impact 123."
