"Exposure to a steadily-increasing number of anthropogenic chemicals in the environment can have a profound negative impact on reproductive function and health, including the production of high quality gametes and a functioning endocrine system which is critical to an individual's general health. In fact, trends in reproductive health demonstrate that reproductive function has declined since the mid-20th century - a time that corresponds to a significant increase in chemical production. One class of chemicals that has been especially problematic for reproductive health has been endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). EDCs include a wide array of chemicals and mixtures such as PFCs, PBDEs, PCBs, organochlorine pesticides, environmental phenols, phthalates, and perchlorate. These chemicals have been shown to interfere with the production, transport, activity, and metabolism of natural hormones in the body and can have deleterious effects on developmental, reproductive, and neuroendocrine functions. Perhaps the most concerning is that humans are surrounded by and exposed to EDCs via air, water, food (including breast milk), and consumer household and personal care products."

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