AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Endocrine Disruptors

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Endocrine Disruptors, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for AP Environmental Science.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: What is an endocrine disruptor?

Answer: A chemical that interferes with hormone systems. Disrupts normal hormone signaling pathways in the body.

Flashcard 2: Which endocrine disruptor is often found in personal care products?

Answer: Phthalates. Used as plastic softeners in cosmetics and fragrances.

Flashcard 3: How do endocrine disruptors interfere with estrogen?

Answer: They can mimic or block estrogen receptors. Bind to hormone receptors or alter hormone levels.

Flashcard 4: Which endocrine disruptor is often used as a plasticizer?

Answer: Phthalates. Chemical additives that make plastics flexible.

Flashcard 5: What is a known endocrine disruptor in flame retardants?

Answer: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Used in electronics and furniture to prevent fires.

Flashcard 6: Which endocrine disruptor is often used as a plasticizer?

Answer: Phthalates. Chemical additives that make plastics flexible.

Flashcard 7: Identify one agricultural product that can contain endocrine disruptors.

Answer: Herbicides. Weed killers often contain hormone-disrupting chemicals.

Flashcard 8: What is a common property of endocrine disruptors?

Answer: Hormone mimicry or blockage. Chemicals that interfere with natural hormone function.

Flashcard 9: What is a known endocrine disruptor in flame retardants?

Answer: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Used in electronics and furniture to prevent fires.

Flashcard 10: Which endocrine disruptor is found in non-stick cookware?

Answer: Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs). Persistent chemicals used for stain and water resistance.

Flashcard 11: What is the impact of endocrine disruptors on puberty?

Answer: They can cause early or delayed puberty. Disrupts hormones that control sexual maturation timing.

Flashcard 12: Name an endocrine disruptor found in plastics.

Answer: Bisphenol A (BPA). Common plastic additive that mimics estrogen in the body.

Flashcard 13: What is a common effect of endocrine disruptors on the reproductive system?

Answer: Infertility. Hormonal disruption affects reproductive organ function.

Flashcard 14: Which endocrine disruptor is commonly found in industrial solvents?

Answer: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Industrial chemicals banned but still present in environment.

Flashcard 15: Identify a common source of endocrine disruptors.

Answer: Pesticides. Widely used chemicals that often contain hormone-disrupting compounds.

Flashcard 16: What is the environmental persistence of many endocrine disruptors?

Answer: High environmental persistence. Many resist breakdown and accumulate in ecosystems.

Flashcard 17: What is the impact of endocrine disruptors on thyroid function?

Answer: They can cause hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Disrupts thyroid hormone production and regulation.

Flashcard 18: Identify a common source of endocrine disruptors.

Answer: Pesticides. Widely used chemicals that often contain hormone-disrupting compounds.

Flashcard 19: Which endocrine disruptor is linked to neurological disorders?

Answer: Lead. Heavy metal that disrupts brain development and function.

Flashcard 20: Which chemical is both a pesticide and an endocrine disruptor?

Answer: Atrazine. Herbicide that interferes with reproductive hormones.

Flashcard 21: Which endocrine disruptor can accumulate in fatty tissue?

Answer: Dioxins. Lipophilic compounds concentrate in body fat stores.

Flashcard 22: Identify a food product that could contain endocrine disruptors.

Answer: Processed foods with additives. Food packaging and preservatives can contain hormone disruptors.

Flashcard 23: Name the endocrine disruptor associated with antifungal agents.

Answer: Triclosan. Antimicrobial agent that interferes with thyroid hormones.

Flashcard 24: How do endocrine disruptors interfere with estrogen?

Answer: They can mimic or block estrogen receptors. Bind to hormone receptors or alter hormone levels.

Flashcard 25: How do endocrine disruptors affect human health?

Answer: They may lead to cancer, birth defects, and other disorders. Hormonal disruption affects multiple body systems and development.

Flashcard 26: What is the effect of endocrine disruptors on fish populations?

Answer: Feminization of male fish. Estrogen-like effects alter sexual development in aquatic life.

Flashcard 27: How do endocrine disruptors affect the immune system?

Answer: They can weaken immune responses. Hormonal disruption affects immune cell function.

Flashcard 28: Name a natural source of endocrine disruptors.

Answer: Phytoestrogens in plants. Plant compounds that can mimic human hormones.

Flashcard 29: Name an endocrine disruptor found in plastics.

Answer: Bisphenol A (BPA). Common plastic additive that mimics estrogen in the body.

Flashcard 30: Which endocrine disruptor is linked to liver toxicity?

Answer: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Industrial chemicals that cause multiple organ toxicity.

Flashcard 31: Identify an endocrine disruptor used in UV filters.

Answer: Oxybenzone. Sunscreen ingredient that mimics estrogen.

Flashcard 32: Which endocrine disruptor is linked to neurological disorders?

Answer: Lead. Heavy metal that disrupts brain development and function.

Flashcard 33: Name an endocrine disruptor associated with antibacterial soaps.

Answer: Triclosan. Antimicrobial agent that affects thyroid and reproductive hormones.

Flashcard 34: Which endocrine disruptor is found in non-stick cookware?

Answer: Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs). Persistent chemicals used for stain and water resistance.

Flashcard 35: What is a common effect of endocrine disruptors on the reproductive system?

Answer: Infertility. Hormonal disruption affects reproductive organ function.

Flashcard 36: Name an endocrine disruptor associated with antibacterial soaps.

Answer: Triclosan. Antimicrobial agent that affects thyroid and reproductive hormones.

Flashcard 37: What is the impact of endocrine disruptors on puberty?

Answer: They can cause early or delayed puberty. Disrupts hormones that control sexual maturation timing.

Flashcard 38: Name an endocrine disruptor that can be found in detergents.

Answer: Alkylphenol ethoxylates. Surfactants in cleaning products that mimic estrogen.

Flashcard 39: Which chemical is both a pesticide and an endocrine disruptor?

Answer: Atrazine. Herbicide that interferes with reproductive hormones.

Flashcard 40: Identify an endocrine disruptor used in UV filters.

Answer: Oxybenzone. Sunscreen ingredient that mimics estrogen.

Flashcard 41: Identify one agricultural product that can contain endocrine disruptors.

Answer: Herbicides. Weed killers often contain hormone-disrupting chemicals.

Flashcard 42: Which endocrine disruptor is often found in personal care products?

Answer: Phthalates. Used as plastic softeners in cosmetics and fragrances.

Flashcard 43: What is the effect of endocrine disruptors on wildlife?

Answer: They can cause reproductive and developmental issues. Hormonal interference affects growth and breeding success.

Flashcard 44: What is a method to reduce exposure to endocrine disruptors?

Answer: Use of glass containers instead of plastic. Avoids plastic chemicals that leach into food and drinks.

Flashcard 45: How do endocrine disruptors affect the immune system?

Answer: They can weaken immune responses. Hormonal disruption affects immune cell function.

Flashcard 46: Which endocrine disruptor is associated with increased cancer risk?

Answer: BPA. Estrogen mimicry linked to hormone-sensitive cancers.

Flashcard 47: Name the endocrine disruptor associated with antifungal agents.

Answer: Triclosan. Antimicrobial agent that interferes with thyroid hormones.

Flashcard 48: List a health effect of endocrine disruptors on children.

Answer: Developmental delays. Hormonal interference during critical growth periods.

Flashcard 49: What is the potential effect of endocrine disruptors on bone health?

Answer: They may weaken bone structure. Hormonal disruption affects calcium regulation and bone formation.

Flashcard 50: Name a natural source of endocrine disruptors.

Answer: Phytoestrogens in plants. Plant compounds that can mimic human hormones.

Flashcard 51: What type of disruptor is DDT classified as?

Answer: An endocrine disruptor. Banned pesticide that persists and disrupts hormone function.

Flashcard 52: What is the effect of endocrine disruptors on wildlife?

Answer: They can cause reproductive and developmental issues. Hormonal interference affects growth and breeding success.

Flashcard 53: What is the impact of endocrine disruptors on thyroid function?

Answer: They can cause hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Disrupts thyroid hormone production and regulation.

Flashcard 54: What is an endocrine disruptor?

Answer: A chemical that interferes with hormone systems. Disrupts normal hormone signaling pathways in the body.

Flashcard 55: Identify a synthetic hormone that acts as an endocrine disruptor.

Answer: Diethylstilbestrol (DES). Pharmaceutical estrogen that caused reproductive harm.

Flashcard 56: Which endocrine disruptor can accumulate in fatty tissue?

Answer: Dioxins. Lipophilic compounds concentrate in body fat stores.

Flashcard 57: What is the effect of endocrine disruptors on fish populations?

Answer: Feminization of male fish. Estrogen-like effects alter sexual development in aquatic life.

Flashcard 58: Identify an endocrine disruptor found in air pollutants.

Answer: Dioxins. Toxic byproducts of combustion and industrial processes.

Flashcard 59: What is a characteristic of endocrine disruptors related to bioaccumulation?

Answer: They tend to bioaccumulate in organisms. Concentrate through food webs, increasing with trophic level.

Flashcard 60: What is the potential effect of endocrine disruptors on bone health?

Answer: They may weaken bone structure. Hormonal disruption affects calcium regulation and bone formation.

Flashcard 61: What is the role of endocrine disruptors in obesity?

Answer: They may promote weight gain and metabolic disorders. Disrupt metabolism and fat storage regulation.

Flashcard 62: What is a characteristic of endocrine disruptors related to bioaccumulation?

Answer: They tend to bioaccumulate in organisms. Concentrate through food webs, increasing with trophic level.

Flashcard 63: What type of disruptor is DDT classified as?

Answer: An endocrine disruptor. Banned pesticide that persists and disrupts hormone function.

Flashcard 64: Which endocrine disruptor is linked to liver toxicity?

Answer: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Industrial chemicals that cause multiple organ toxicity.

Flashcard 65: List a health effect of endocrine disruptors on children.

Answer: Developmental delays. Hormonal interference during critical growth periods.

Flashcard 66: Which endocrine disruptor is associated with increased cancer risk?

Answer: BPA. Estrogen mimicry linked to hormone-sensitive cancers.

Flashcard 67: What is a common property of endocrine disruptors?

Answer: Hormone mimicry or blockage. Chemicals that interfere with natural hormone function.

Flashcard 68: Identify a food product that could contain endocrine disruptors.

Answer: Processed foods with additives. Food packaging and preservatives can contain hormone disruptors.

Flashcard 69: What role do endocrine disruptors play in diabetes?

Answer: They may contribute to insulin resistance. Interfere with hormones that regulate blood sugar.

Flashcard 70: Which endocrine disruptor is commonly found in industrial solvents?

Answer: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Industrial chemicals banned but still present in environment.

Flashcard 71: Identify a synthetic hormone that acts as an endocrine disruptor.

Answer: Diethylstilbestrol (DES). Pharmaceutical estrogen that caused reproductive harm.

Flashcard 72: What is the environmental persistence of many endocrine disruptors?

Answer: High environmental persistence. Many resist breakdown and accumulate in ecosystems.

Flashcard 73: What is the role of endocrine disruptors in obesity?

Answer: They may promote weight gain and metabolic disorders. Disrupt metabolism and fat storage regulation.

Flashcard 74: What role do endocrine disruptors play in diabetes?

Answer: They may contribute to insulin resistance. Interfere with hormones that regulate blood sugar.

Flashcard 75: What is a method to reduce exposure to endocrine disruptors?

Answer: Use of glass containers instead of plastic. Avoids plastic chemicals that leach into food and drinks.

Flashcard 76: How do endocrine disruptors affect human health?

Answer: They may lead to cancer, birth defects, and other disorders. Hormonal disruption affects multiple body systems and development.

Flashcard 77: Identify an endocrine disruptor found in air pollutants.

Answer: Dioxins. Toxic byproducts of combustion and industrial processes.

Flashcard 78: Name an endocrine disruptor that can be found in detergents.

Answer: Alkylphenol ethoxylates. Surfactants in cleaning products that mimic estrogen.