What are endocrine disruptors and why are they an environmental concern? what are pharmaceuticals and personal care products and why should we be con- cerned with them?

1. Endocrine disruptors are those chemical substances which have the capacity to interfere with endocrine system when they are administered at certain doses. Examples of such chemicals are: diethylstibesterol, dioxin, polychlorinated biphenylls, dioxin like compounds, etc. Endocrine disruptors are environmental concerns because some of them have been identified as pesticides and these chemicals can interfere with natural hormones in human body.
2. Pharmaceutical and personal care products are those chemical substances that are used by individuals for personal health and cosmetic reasons. This class of product also include the products used by farmer to boost the health and growth of their animals. Pharmaceutical and personal care products are of concern because of their potential threat to ecological environment and human health as a result of the diverse chemicals which they contain.