[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 59 (Friday, May 10, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E776-E777]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HORMONE DISRUPTION RESEARCH ACT OF 2002

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 9, 2002

  Mr. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce the introduction 
of the Hormone Disruption Research Act of 2002.
  Arctic polar bears show high concentrations of certain synthetic 
compounds in their tissues. Whales in the world's oceans carry PCBs and 
other contaminants at concentrations which cause developmental defects 
in humans.
  U.S. streams and groundwater show widespread contamination with 
chemicals, dioxins, and antibiotics. Alligators in Florida's lakes 
suffer from reproductive problems that appear to be associated with 
chronic chemical contamination. New studies have made a persuasive case 
that contaminants were in part or wholly responsible for the loss of 
the lake trout and herring in the Great Lakes many decades ago.
  Rates of infertility, the incidence of testicular cancer in young 
men, Parkinson's disease, endometriosis, childhood diabetes, and asthma 
have risen dramatically since 1970.
  What does this all mean? Are there connections between rising levels 
of chemicals in the environment and increasing rates of certain 
disorders in humans?
  In many cases, we simply don't know. We do not have the scientific 
information that would allow us to draw solid conclusions. But a 
growing body of research suggests that there is indeed a connection 
between certain chemicals and human health.
  In recent decades, scientists have begun to recognize and define the 
hazard posed by some chemicals to the human hormone (or endocrine) 
system. By definition, hormone disrupting chemicals interfere with the 
normal activity of hormones within the body. Some chemicals mimic 
natural hormones and send false messages. Other synthetic compounds 
block hormonal signals and prevent the proper action from taking place. 
Still others cause disruption by preventing the synthesis of the body's 
own hormones, or by accelerating their breakdown and excretion. 
Whatever the mechanism, the bottom line is the same: Any chemical that 
interferes directly or indirectly with hormones can scramble vital 
messages, derail development, and undermine health.
  We are only now learning that the effects of hormone disruptors may 
affect more than one generation. Though adults may not show symptoms of 
exposure themselves, they may pass the ``Imprint,'' or hormonal effects 
of exposure, on to their children. In those cases, it is the children 
whose development suffers. Since 1970, childhood cancers, learning 
disabilities, hyperactivity, autism, juvenile diabetes, early puberty, 
early testicular cancer, and infertility have increased significantly 
both in the United States and around the world. There is growing 
evidence to suggest that hormone disruptors play an important role in 
all of these disorders.
  Today I am proud to introduce the Hormone Disruption Research Act of 
2002. This legislation directs the National Institute of Environmental 
Health Sciences (NIEHS) to conduct a major research program on hormone 
disruption. In addition, it requires NIEHS to report to the public 
every two years on the extent to which hormone disruption by chemicals 
poses a threat to human health and the environment. The bill authorizes 
$100 million per year for five years for this critically important 
program.
  To date, federal research on hormone disruption has been scattershot 
and underfunded, even as evidence about hormone disruption has grown. 
The research program authorized through the legislation will enable 
NIEHS to gather solid data about the dangers posed by some chemicals 
and the mechanisms through which they act. With this information in 
hand, we can make sensible, informed decisions and policies about our 
own and our children's health and well-being.

[[Page E777]]

  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the Hormone Disruption 
Research Act. We owe it to future generations to pursue this scientific 
research, which has implications for every one of us.

                          ____________________