The endocrine system consists of many glands distributed throughout the body, producing more than 50 hormones that are released into the bloodstream or the fluid surrounding cells. Receptors in various organs and tissues respond to these hormones in specific and vital ways that control metabolism, immunity, development and growth, reproduction and behavior.

Since the beginning of the industrial age in the nineteenth century and the dawn of industrial agriculture in the twentieth century, humans have manufactured thousands of chemicals that serve many purposes. The effects of these chemicals on human health were largely ignored until the 1960s. Yet since then, and despite a convincing body of research showing their negative effects on human health, little has been done to regulate or limit the production and distribution of these chemicals.

Read More