Should we worry about endocrine disruptors?

2015-01-15T16:07:41+00:00

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This is an informative article about endocrine disruptors, which are chemicals that are often in the news. They are chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA), and phthalates (used in plastics), and they may cause harm by interacting with our hormone system. There has been a great deal of controversy within the scientific community about these chemicals, and this article aims to provide a balanced view of the current debate and evidence.

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Should we worry about endocrine disruptors?
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This is article from a series called 'Should we worry about..?' . The purpose of the series is to provide balanced information on chemicals that have had a high profile in the media. They are authored and approved by the Royal Society of Chemistry's Environment, Health and Committee (EHSC). One of the EHSC's aims is to help to improve the public image of chemistry and chemists by improving public understanding of the risks associated with the benefits of chemicals. To learn more about the EHSC, please go to www.rsc.org/ehsc.

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Republic of Ireland
- Junior Cycle
  - Science
    - The nature of science
      - Communicating on science
        8. Evaluate media-based arguments concerning science and technology.
      - Science in society
        10. Appreciate the role of science in society; and its personal, social and global importance; and how society influences scientific research.
- Leaving Certificate
  - Chemistry
    - 7. Organic chemistry
      - 7.3 Organic Chemical Reaction Types
        Depth of treatment
        Example of organic synthesis: PVC from ethene (structures and synthetic rout required).
        Social and Applied Aspects
        Flame retardants, fire extinguishers.
    - Option 1A: Additional industrial chemistry
      - 1A.1 GENERAL PRINCIPLES
        Social and Applied Aspects
        Awareness of the contributions of chemistry to society, e.g. provision of pure water, fuels, metals, medicines, detergents, enzymes, dyes, paints, semiconductors, liquid crystals and alternative materials, such as plastics, and synthetic fibres; increasi…

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