Endocrine Disruptors and Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in the United States: An Environmental, Health, and Financial Crisis

Abstract

Endocrine disruptors are a dangerous class of chemicals found in many household products that continue to endanger the United States' public health, environment, and economy. These household products range from plastic toys, detergents, to flame retardants, yet the public lacks common knowledge of their various potential serious effects. One group of endocrine disruptors in particular, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, create a greater sense of alarm in the United States as they are still being used as flame retardants in a vast amount of everyday products. In order for a decrease in endocrine disruptors production and use, the Environmental Protection Agency and its Toxic Control Act need to enforce greater regulatory laws.