WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified a list of 134 chemicals that will be screened for their potential to disrupt the endocrine system. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interact with and possibly disrupt the hormones produced or secreted by the human or animal endocrine system, which regulates growth, metabolism and reproduction. Administrator Lisa P. Jackson has made it a top priority to ensure the safety of chemicals, and this is another step in this process.

From the April 12 New York Times:

A New York Times series, “Toxic Waters,” has chronicled the problems of the nation’s drinking water supply, from worsening chemical contamination to the crumbling networks of pipes that are costing local and state governments more and more to repair.