Chevy Chase, MD (September 19, 2012)— R. Thomas Zoeller, PhD, an author of The Endocrine Society's Scientific Statement on endocrine-disrupting chemicals and a professor at the University of Massachusetts, can provide comment on findings in today's Journal of the American Medical Association that show children with higher levels of the widely used substance BPA in their bodies are more likely to be obese. Dr. Zoeller can also speak about key issues related to identifying EDCs and protecting humans and wildlife from their adverse effects.

BPA is a known endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC). EDCs are substances in the environment that interfere with hormone biosynthesis, metabolism or action resulting in adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological and immune effects in both humans and wildlife. Many of these chemicals are designed, produced and marketed largely for specific industrial purposes. They are also found in some natural foods and may become further concentrated as foods are processed.

The Endocrine Society’s Statement of Principles on EDCs shows substances like BPA are impacting public health at doses below the regulatory "safe level."

WHO: Dr. R. Thomas Zoeller, PHD Representative of The Endocrine Society Professor, University of Massachusetts

WHAT: Dr. Zoeller, a leading endocrinologist, is available to discuss BPA and its potential impact on human health.

CONTACT: To schedule an interview with Dr. Zoeller, please contact Aaron Lohr at [email protected] or 240-482-1380.

To gain additional insight on the health effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and to see The Endocrine Society’s recommendations for increasing understanding and raising awareness of these effects, see the Society’s Scientific Statement on endocrine-disrupting chemicals (http://www.endo-society.org/journals/scientificstatements).

The Endocrine Society Statement of Principles on EDCs proposes a streamlined definition for endocrine-disrupting chemicals and offers recommendations aimed to strengthen the ability of current screening programs to identify EDCs (http://endo.endojournals.org/content/153/9/4097.abstract).

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Founded in 1916, The Endocrine Society is the world’s oldest, largest and most active organization devoted to research on hormones and the clinical practice of endocrinology. Today, The Endocrine Society’s membership consists of over 15,000 scientists, physicians, educators, nurses and students in more than 100 countries. Society members represent all basic, applied and clinical interests in endocrinology. The Endocrine Society is based in Chevy Chase, Maryland. To learn more about the Society and the field of endocrinology, visit our site at www.endo-society.org. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/EndoMedia.