Aggression linked to chemicals, endocrine disrupters cause abnormal behavior

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 12 Jul 2004 - 17:00 PDT


Researchers in Japan have discovered that endocrine disrupters not only delay the development of the nervous system and cognitive functions of mammals, but also cause abnormal behavior. Chemicals that disturb the endocrine system of humans and other animals are known to be capable of reducing fertility or delaying or inducing hormonal changes.

It is unusual for reports on the study of brain functions and the nervous system to be released in such quick succession, but researchers have stepped up their efforts to determine what role endocrine disrupters play in the abnormal behavior of children, such as the sixth-grade primary school girl in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, who allegedly used a box cutter to kill a classmate in June.

The Japan Society of Endocrine Disrupters Research undertook this issue as one of particular concern at its meeting on June 25 after a report was released that maintained particular chemical substances have a detrimental effect on mammals.

The report said rats used in experiments were slower to negotiate a maze when they were given the chemical Bisphenol A, which is used in manufacturing wrapping paper and PET bottles, among other items. In the study, the rats also demonstrated behavior that suggested they suffered from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) after being given the chemical.

Some agrochemicals and insecticides can seriously damage the nervous system and animals' cognitive abilities, such as memory.

The experiments conducted by the researchers showed that female rats born to mothers that had been given Glufosinate, a weed killer used on golf courses, were extremely aggressive toward other rats. The chemical structure of the weed killer is very similar to glutaminic acid, which is indispensable to the human brain.

In the United States, studies have shown that children born to mothers who ate polluted fish from the Great Lakes during pregnancy tended to have a low IQ or nerve disorders. Continues....The Daily Yomiuri

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