The True Price of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals: Human, Environmental, and Economic Consequences

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) are compounds that interfere with hormonal signaling in humans and wildlife - subtly altering development, reproduction, metabolism, and behavior. While many of these compounds have been in widespread use for decades, only recently have the full implications of chronic, low-level exposure begun to surface. This presentation will provide a broad overview of the science and policy behind EDCs, tracing their history from early cases such as DDT through to modern concerns surrounding PFAS, phthalates, and bisphenols.

This presentation will examine the environmental persistence and pathways of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) across wastewater, surface waters, sediments, and treated drinking water systems. Particular attention will be given to the limited removal of many EDCs through conventional treatment processes, leading to long-term accumulation in aqueous environments and potential biomagnification within food webs. The discussion will connect these environmental dynamics to documented and emerging population-level health outcomes, including reproductive, developmental, metabolic, and carcinogenic effects. The session underscores the importance of sustained analytical monitoring and regulatory advancement to address the enduring presence of EDCs in both environmental and human systems.

Airdate: Tuesday, December 9, 2025 - 1:30 PM ET

Length: 60 minutes 

Presenter: Adam Gushgari - Eurofins Environment Testing