The link with Endometriosis
There is mounting evidence that links
endometriosis to dioxin (a group of toxic
chemicals containing known and probable
carcinogens), PCBs and other endocrine
disruptors (chemicals which act like
hormones in our bodies and disrupt the
immune system). A 1992 study funded by
the Endometriosis Association analyzed
rhesus monkeys exposed for four years to
TCDD (the most toxic form of dioxin). Two
important conclusions of the study revealed
that, "the incidence of endometriosis was
directly correlated with dioxin exposure and
the severity of the disease was dependent
upon the dose administered," and that,
"chronic exposure to the chemical toxin
dioxin is directly correlated with an
increased incidence in the development of
endometriosis in rhesus monkeys." This
landmark study has been followed by other
research which supports these findings,
including recent studies which reveal that
women with endometriosis and their
families have a greater risk of developing
breast cancer, ovarian cancer,
non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and melanoma.
In addition to these findings, the
Environmental Protection Agency stated in
its 1994 Dioxin Reassessment draft that the
"general population's current body burdens
and exposures of dioxin are already at
levels which affect our health." One of the
health effects that the EPA specifically
identifies is a "higher probability of
experiencing endometriosis and the
reduced ability to withstand an
immunological challenge."
The consequences of exposure to persistent
chemicals like dioxin are serious and
irreversible. Once in our bodies they remain
there accumulating over time, mimicking
natural hormones, disrupting our immune
systems, and causing ill health. As families
who suffer because of endometriosis, we
have the right to know about our exposure to
these toxins. As members of our
communities, we have the right to demand
the elimination of these chemicals from our
environment in order to protect us all. The
Endometriosis Association supports the
public's right to know and actively
participates in community efforts to stop
exposure to dioxins so human health and the
environment will no longer be compromised.
If you would like to learn more about toxins
and their role in endometriosis, please
contact Kim Kelly, Environmental
Coordinator. The time has come for women
with endometriosis to take action on this
issue so that no family will again have to
experience the horror of watching loved
ones live with painful, chronic diseases that
could have been prevented. Help us
prevent another generation of
endometriosis.
