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Toxic
Link to Endo
ENDOMETRIOSIS
and the TOXIC LINK
Endometriosis is an endocrine and immune disease that affects
an estimated 89 million women and girls around the world, regardless
of ethnic or social origin. The incidence of allergies, asthma,
and chemical sensitivities in women with endometriosis is higher
than in the general population. Women with endometriosis are
also at higher risk for autoimmune diseases and certain types
of cancers.
The connection with chemical toxins
Dioxin is a toxic byproduct of industrial and consumer processes
that involve chlorine or incineration of chlorine-containing
substances, such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride, commonly known
as “vinyl”) plastics. The main sources of dioxins
are medical waste incineration, municipal waste incineration,
chemical and plastic manufacturing, some pesticides, and pulp
and paper bleaching. PVC disposable medical devices, such as
IV bags and tubing, are a major concern because they become
medical waste, which is often incinerated. Dioxins formed during
incineration are released into the air and travel via air currents,
contaminating fields and crops. Cattle and other livestock eat
the crops and the dioxin enters their tissue. Humans then eat
the contaminated animal products.
In the early 1990s, the Endometriosis Association found that
79% of a group of monkeys developed endometriosis after exposure
to dioxin in their food during a research study over ten years
earlier. The severity of endometriosis found in the monkeys
was directly related to the amount of TCDD (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin
– the most toxic dioxin) to which they had been exposed
. Monkeys that were fed dioxin in amounts as small as five parts
per trillion developed endometriosis. In addition, the dioxin-exposed
monkeys showed immune abnormalities similar to those observed
in women with endometriosis .
As explained in books including Our Stolen Future,
Dying from Dioxin, and The Endometriosis
Sourcebook, scientists have come to the realization
that certain chemical compounds, such as dioxin, have profound
immunological and reproductive impacts at exposures far below
the level known to cause cancer. These chemicals are known as
endocrine disruptors and can mimic hormones and interfere with
many physiological processes . Scientists are still researching
the mechanisms that are used, but they already know that these
man-made chemicals persist in the body for years. PCBs (polychlorinated
biphenyls) are a group of dioxin-like chemicals that were used
in industry until they were banned in the 1970s. Some PCBs persist
in the environment for more than one hundred years. According
to Endometriosis Association research, certain PCBs appear to
be linked with TCDD in endometriosis in the monkeys. The severity
of endometriosis correlated with the blood levels of a particular
PCB .
Based on animal studies and observation of wildlife, impaired
fertility is a result of exposure to endocrine disruptors. Infertility
affects approximately 40% of women with endometriosis. The Endometriosis
Association’s research registry provides data showing
that endometriosis is starting at a younger age and is more
severe than in the past. Could this be the result of a rising
“body burden” level of dioxins and other endocrine
disruptors?
It is imperative that we stop dioxin exposure now. These toxins
are affecting our health and are threatening the health of future
generations. Let’s join together and take action now!
For more information on what you can do, contact the Environmental
Coordinator at support@EndometriosisAssn.org.
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Rier,S.E.
et al. (1993). “Endometriosis in Rhesus Monkeys (Macaca
Mulatta) Following Chronic Exposure to 2,3,7,8,-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin.”
Fundamental and Applied Toxicology, Vol.21, pp.433-441.
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Rier,
S.E. et al. (2000). “Increased Tumor Necrosis Factor-a
Production by Peripheral Blood Leukocytes from TCDD-Exposed
Rhesus Monkeys.” Toxicological Sciences, Vol. 60, pp.
327-337.
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Colborn,
Theo et al. (1997). Our Stolen Future. Penguin Books USA Inc.
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Rier,
S.E. et al. (2001). “Serum Levels of TCDD and Dioxin-like
Chemicals in Rhesus Monkeys Chronically Exposed to Dioxin:
Correlation of Increased Serum PCB Levels with Endometriosis.”
Toxicological Sciences, Vol. 59, No. 1, pp. 147-159.
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