In 1976, when congress passed the Toxic Substances Control Act, there were 60,000 known chemicals in the US marketplace. Today, that number has grown to 80,000 chemicals. These chemicals used in the production of medications, personal care products, plastics, and even livestock.

While the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently increased the number of chemicals it monitors, it amounts to one chemical out of 400.

A growing number of new chemicals called endocrine disruptors are appearing in intersex and sick fish. At the same time, old chemicals like asbestos and chromium VI (the "Erin Brockovich chemical") are appearing in our schools and in our water supply.

Potomac Riverkeeper is working to increase the number of chemicals local and state governments study, regulate, and ban when necessary. You can read updates on breaking news on endocrine disruptors. You can learn what do to reduce endocrine distruptors in your life and community:  Pure Potomac Initiative.