Hormone-active chemicals threaten health

Scientists in the Alps are puzzled: In Lake Thun, around half of the fish of the species "whitefish" have malformations on the genitals. An indication of dangerous chemical substances that act like hormones?

(17.06.2010) In the Alps, the world is no longer in order. Researchers at Lake Thun have been observing malformations of fish for a long time, which could be caused by chemical substances. Approximately half of the fish of the genus "whitefish" show deformations of the genitals. The question now is, is the health of people in acute danger? There are many indications.

Recently, there are reports of warnings about hormone-active chemicals. For example, the mass media "Bisphenol A" has been repeatedly criticized in its coverage. Bisphenol A is used in many products, such as baby bottles, thermal paper and food cans, for the production of packaging. It has been shown that the "mass chemical" behaves similarly in the human organism, the female sex hormone estrogen. Meanwhile, even the Federal Environment Agency warns against the use of bisphenol A. A ban is far from being in sight, although countries such as Canada or France have now responded in part and have banned at least Bisphenol A for the production of baby bottles and toys. Also alarming are the reports about the sexual maturity of girls, which starts earlier and earlier. Again, a connection with hormone-active chemicals is suspected. But in Germany, the industry lobby seems to be too strong to make a general ban. Because the Federal Environment Agency only gives a recommendation to switch to alternative substances. But nothing has happened in this direction.

A SWR report dealt with the effects of hormone-active chemicals. Again, the mass use of these chemicals in plastics, cosmetics and medicines is reported. Ultimately, these substances also end up in the environment. The reporters report alarming observations in nature. Thus, polar bears would bring more "hermaphrodites" into the world, fish mock fish and tadpoles develop numerous no longer frogs. Moreover, it can no longer be denied that the sperm quality of men in industrialized countries has deteriorated massively in recent years. Are these all signs of the effects of hormone-active chemicals? When will politics finally react and stand against the industry lobby? (Sb)

Picture credits: Rolf van Melis