Positively Against Pollutants - Brief Article

Few environmental threats are as ominous, or as bitterly debated, as the manmade chemicals that mimic or counteract developmental hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. These pollutants include common plastics as well as pharmaceuticals and PCBs. Theo Colborn, director of the wildlife and contaminants program at the World Wildlife Fund, sees signs that such chemicals are responsible for health problems in humans and animals. Other researchers argue the data are inconclusive. Discover associate editor Josie Glausiusz asked Colborn to comment.

What's the evidence that these contaminants are hazardous?

The first evidence came decades ago from wildlife. Male birds were developing ovotestes instead of proper testes. Even today in the Great Lakes some fish eggs aren't making it to maturity. Bald eagles that come in to reproduce can't. If they do have a chick, it has crossed bills and clubfeet.

What about effects on humans?

The most insidious are seen in children whose mothers had one part per million or more PCBs in their bodies when pregnant. At age ii, the more highly exposed children had a 6.2 point IQ deficit and were as much as two years behind in reading. There is also circumstantial evidence. About one in every 125 boys in this country now has a condition at birth called hypospadias, in which the opening of the urethra isn't at the tip of the penis. And testicular cancer has increased by 400 percent over the last 20 to 25 years among men aged 17 to 41.

Why do so many pollutants disrupt the action of hormones?

Many were designed to interfere with insect functioning. Of course, we function with the same chemicals that insects do.

What is to be done?

I'm calling for a new Manhattan Project. During World War II we set up the Manhattan Project and within three years, with industry help, we produced an atom bomb. Industry has profited from these chemicals, and it's now time for them to put money into the pot. In a couple of years, an independent institution could complete testing on these chemicals.

What is our planet's long-term environmental outlook?

I'm an eternal optimist. I've seen what industry can do when they put their minds to it. Think about Y2K. We were headed for a disaster, and industry said, "We're not going to let this happen." They put millions into it, and the funny thing is, it didn't hurt the economy I am thoroughly convinced that testing chemicals is going to help the economy And we will be so much healthier.

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