Every day, we are showered with hundreds of thousands of chemicals. Additionally, more than 1,000 new compounds are introduced annually. Many of these compounds, when acting alone or in tandem with other chemicals, mimic or disrupt the normal functions of the endocrine system.
This report briefly outlines the history of these new contaminants in the Potomac River system. We know that these compounds interfere with the development of many aquatic species, most notably male smallmouth bass that have developed eggs. This condition, known as intersex, has been documented in the Potomac River watershed and beyond. (Click here for more information on intersex fish.)
We hope this report will raise awareness of the presence of endocrine disrupting compounds and spur action to remove them from our water supply before they have a negative impact on present and future generations.
- Press Release
- PDF of Report
- Potomac Agenda
- What you can do (pdf)
- Sources of Endocrine Disruptors (diagram)
- November 2009, NBC4 reporter Wendy Rieger interviews Hedrick Belin
- April 2009 - Conservancy Writes in to WashPost about Endocrine Disruptors - Conservancy President Hedrick Belin writes, "Intersex fish in our rivers are an ominous sign of things to come. We know little about what causes this condition, and we need to know more. The Potomac Conservancy believes that it is time to answer the question of whether and how these compounds affect animal and human health, in particular, the development of our children. We call on the new administration to find -- and fund -- solutions for this important problem. Click here for the full article.
