Hormonal Chaos: The Scientific and Social Origins of the Environmental Endocrine Hypothesis [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

Dr. Sheldon Krimsky PhD (Author), Professor Lynn Goldman (Foreword)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0801862795 | ISBN-13: 978-0801862793 | Publication Date: October 19, 1999 | Edition: 1

In Hormonal Chaos, Sheldon Krimsky traces the emergence of an unorthodox hypothesis that casts new suspicions on a broad range of modern industrial chemicals. At the heart of his story is the "Environmental Endocrine Hypothesis," the assertion that a class of chemicals called "endocrine disruptors" are interfering with the normal functioning of hormones in animals and humans. Krimsky describes how this controversial theory was first elaborated and explores the complex factors that have contributed to its increased legitimacy and continued controversy.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The environmental endocrine hypothesis claims that a diverse array of industrial and agricultural chemicals can interfere with the body's normal hormone functions and cause reproductive, neurological, and developmental abnormalities in humans and wildlife. Based upon a sizable body of literature and research initially documented in Theo Colborn & others' Our Stolen Future (LJ 2/15/96), this hypothesis quickly gained both supporters and critics among various organizations, government agencies, scientific bodies, and trade groups. Krimsky (urban and environmental policy, Tufts Univ.) explains the development of the theory, response of the scientific community, challenges facing policy makers, and attitudes regarding public safety. This is a fascinating look at the motivations and responsibilities of scientists, politicians, journalists, and industries, who rush to defend their turf when new controversies arise regarding public safety. It also details the complexity of scientific communication. Recommended for environmental and public health collections.AIrwin Weintraub, Brooklyn Coll. Lib., NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"This well-written and thoroughly researched book provides an invaluable overview of the controversies surrounding the new hypotheses about the relationships between chemical exposures and human and environmental health. The book al so has much to say about the process of science and how science and scientific theories change as well as providing an example of how to analyze other scientific controversies." -- Mrill Ingram, Environment

"A fascinating look at the motivations and responsibilities of scientists, politicians, journalists, and industries, who rush to defend their turf when new controversies arise regarding public safety. It also details the complexity of scientific communication." -- Library Journal

"Eminently readable... Few issues have galvanized so many so quickly, and Krimsky has accomplished the difficult task of chronicling the history of this contentious idea without being drawn too far into the fray." -- Issues in Science and Technology

"Hormonal Chaos is a fascinating and readable account of the environmental endocrine hypothesis." -- Valery Forbes, BioScience

"An interesting review of a topic that is even now rocking the foundations of toxicology and risk assessment... This book is relevant to virtually all issues that have global health, economic, and public policy implications." -- Gina M. Solomon, Chemical and Engineering News

"A fascinating study of the [environmental endocrine] hypothesis and of the interface between science, media, and policy." -- Booklist

"In Hormonal Chaos, Krimsky lays out a clear and thorough historical analysis of the development of the environmental endocrine hypothesis (sometimes called the endocrine disruption hypothesis), and then examines the larger scientific, political, and social ramifications of it." -- Archives of Sexual Behavior

"Krimsky has not only successfully narrated the historical roots of the problem but has also exposed the complex social, economic, and political context of modern debates. Perhaps most impressively, Krimsky's account remains balanced and insightful without being polemical." -- Mark Jackson, History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: The Johns Hopkins University Press; 1 edition (October 19, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801862795
• ISBN-13: 978-0801862793
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,435,037 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hormonal Chaos: Environmental Endocrine Hypothesis, June 19, 2000

By 

Shirley Grose - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hormonal Chaos: The Scientific and Social Origins of the Environmental Endocrine Hypothesis (Hardcover)

This is not a book for environmentalists, only. Those who are pregnant or those who want healthy grandchildren will especially want to read Hormonal Chaos by Sheldon Krimsky. Every person who bought Mary Shomons' or Dr. Sanford Siegals' new books on thyroid failure should be interested in this book on the Environmental Endocrine Hypothesis. Synthetic thyroid is one of the most prescribed medications in the world. Thyroid disease is on the rise. Any person who ever faced infertility, prostate cancer or most cancer for that matter, reduced cognitive function, congestive heart failure, diabetes or immune dysfunction in themselves or someone they love must read Hormonal Chaos. Endocrine failure is involved in all of the above; furthermore,environmental endocrine disrupters may be the trigger that sets off a cascade of disease which results in "ambiguous sexual development" or fewer males. Krimsky has a very important message.

Sheldon Krimsky has written a readable, persuasive, informative and timely book. This is not a quick read but an engrossing read. Sheldon has proven a link between environmental toxins and endocrine disease. He offers not only a credible theory for endocrine failure through environmental toxins but documents it with scientifically sound data. Krimsky says, "It is usually in books, not in peer-reviewed journals, that one finds bold synthetic ideas that cross disciplinary boundaries." Sheldon Krimsky has crossed those boundaries; he is one of those courageous individuals who takes us to the next paradigm at perhaps his own peril.

Could the trigger that unleashes endocrine imbalance and failure be estrogenic hormonal modulators? Is it possible that with or even without a genetic glitch an environmental trigger could mean hormonal chaos? Could it be that endocrine disrupters such as chemicals combine with modern stress, polluted water and food to disrupt the metabolic pathway to produce the most prevalent and virulent diseases that plague our lives, even result in dual sexual organs. Krimsky has made a solid case for such an environmental endocrine hypothesis. I highly recommend Hormonal Chaos.

4.0 out of 5 stars Better late than never, April 4, 2009

By 

Hadassah H. Paz (guam) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Hormonal Chaos: The Scientific and Social Origins of the Environmental Endocrine Hypothesis (Paperback)

This is a good book but took awhile to get it over here on Guam. Thanks

hp