Sewage and the reproductive system
A group of English scientists and specialists from other countries, working under the leadership of Professor Paul Fowler from the University of Aberdeen, analyzed the behavior and body condition of sheep grazing on land fertilized by sediment remaining after wastewater treatment. This practice is widely used both in the UK and in other countries.
As a result, the relationship between the effects of compounds affecting the endocrine system and changes in the structure and functioning of the seminal glands, ovaries, certain regions of the brain, uterus, thyroid gland and adrenal glands of sheep embryos was revealed. When these substances were exposed to adult sheep, changes in the structure of bones and seminal glands were revealed, as well as deviations in the behavior of their offspring.
Compounds that affect the work of the endocrine system are part of electrical appliances and equipment (flame-resistant additives), plastic bags and bottles, car exhaust gases, adhesive materials, paints, synthetic hormonal drugs, including contraceptives and drugs for the treatment of cancer and depression, and even "safe" drugs such as aspirin and paracetamol. While all these compounds are relatively safe individually, in combination (as it happens in real life) they can have a tangible effect on animal and human organisms.
The authors note that these compounds are found in the air, in the soil and in water. Some of them are fat-soluble and can accumulate in the body, while others dissolve in water and transit through the body, getting into the environment, where they can affect other animals or get into the human food chain and end up on his table.
Many of the changes caused by such compounds are very small and imperceptible at the level of the body, but they can increase the likelihood of developing various diseases and reproductive disorders, an increase in the frequency of which has been observed in recent years both in humans and in various animal species.
To date, the complete abandonment of mankind from the use of compounds that affect the work of the endocrine system is absolutely impossible, since this means abandoning the use of plastics, natural resources, as well as cars, trains and airplanes. Therefore, the only acceptable option is to identify the most dangerous compounds and gradually remove them from use.
It is also necessary to develop methods to reduce the amount of waste released into the environment by factories and wastewater treatment plants. Another important factor is educating people about minimizing the impact, especially on the most susceptible members of society – children and pregnant women.
We can also influence manufacturers by changing our consumer behavior, for example, by refusing to purchase products containing parabens and phthalates, as well as drinks in plastic bottles.
If humanity does not start working in this direction in the near future, compounds affecting the endocrine system can affect not only our health, but also all ecosystems, including those on which we depend – agricultural lands and reservoirs.
Evgeniya Ryabtseva
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of the University of Aberdeen: Sex and drainage.
20.09.2012